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April 19, 2026 06:03 UTC
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CA-V-000629
New version
June 26, 2026 00:06 UTC
a3a7fb99f977d2ae14f447ab7e52f1c477cd5691d398dcc03912937b3b4f556a
CA-V-004226
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Change Summary
Microsoft substantially reorganized and rewrote its privacy statement on June 26, 2026. The company removed detailed explanations of specific third-party data sources it previously disclosed (data brokers, public social media posts, location services, co-branded partners, and developers), replaced them with more general language about data collection, and restructured the document's table of contents and navigational framework. The privacy statement now discloses less specific information about how Microsoft obtains data from third parties, though the company states it has 'refreshed' the document to make it 'easier to read, navigate, and understand.'
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211 Sentences added
879 Sentences removed
796 Sentences modified
2296 Sentences before
1628 Sentences after
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0Microsoft Privacy Statement Last Updated: March 2026 What's new?0Microsoft Privacy Statement Last Updated: June 2026 What's New?
1Print Expand All Collapse All Microsoft Privacy Statement Personal data we collect How we use personal data Reasons we share personal data How to access and control your personal data Cookies and similar technologies Products provided by your organization—notice to end users Microsoft account Collection of data from children Other important privacy information Security of personal data Where we store and process personal data Our retention of personal data U.S. State Data Privacy Advertising Speech recognition technologies Preview or free-of-charge releases Changes to this privacy statement How to contact us Product-specific details: Artificial Intelligence and Copilot capabilities Enterprise and developer products Enterprise online services Enterprise and developer software and enterprise appliances Productivity and communications products Microsoft 365, Office, and other productivity apps Microsoft Family Microsoft Launcher Microsoft Teams OneDrive Outlook Skype Surface Surface Duo LinkedIn Search and browse Bing Microsoft Edge Microsoft Translator SwiftKey Windows Activation Activity history Advertising ID Cellular plan activation from Mobile Operator website Diagnostics Personalized offers Feedback Hub Get Help Live captions Location services and recording Narrator Phone Link - Link to Windows Cross-device experiences Security and safety features Speech, Voice Activation, Inking, and Typing Sync and backup settings Update Services Web browsers—Microsoft Edge Legacy and Internet Explorer Windows AI Features Windows apps Windows Hello Windows Search Entertainment and related services Xbox Microsoft Store Microsoft Start Silverlight Windows Mixed Reality Cookies Most Microsoft sites use cookies, small text files placed on your device which web servers utilize in the domain that placed the cookie can retrieve later.1We’ve refreshed our Privacy Statement to make it easier to read, navigate, and understand, with clearer explanations of how we use data and the choices available to you.
2More detailed information is available in What's New .
3Print Expand All Collapse All Microsoft Privacy Statement Personal data we collect How we use personal data Reasons we disclose personal data How to access and control your personal data Cookies and similar technologies Microsoft account Collection of data from children Storage and processing of personal data Advertising Other important privacy information Diagnostic data Preview or free-of-charge releases Changes to this privacy statement How to contact us Product-specific details: Artificial Intelligence and Copilot capabilities Enterprise and developer products Products provided by your organization – notice to end users Applicable Terms for Enterprise online services Enterprise and developer software and enterprise appliances Productivity and communications products Microsoft 365, Office, and other productivity apps Microsoft Family Microsoft Launcher Microsoft Teams OneDrive Outlook Skype Surface Surface Duo LinkedIn Search and browse Bing Microsoft Edge Microsoft Translator SwiftKey Windows Activation Activity history Advertising ID Cellular plan activation from Mobile Operator website Diagnostics Personalized offers Feedback Hub Get Help Live captions Location services and recording Narrator Phone Link - Link to Windows Cross-device experiences Recording Security and safety features Speech, Voice Activation, Inking, and Typing Sync and backup settings Update Services Web browsers—Microsoft Edge Legacy and Internet Explorer Windows AI Features Windows apps Windows Hello Windows Search Entertainment and related services Xbox Microsoft Store Microsoft Start Silverlight Windows Mixed Reality Cookies Most Microsoft sites use cookies, small text files placed on your device which web servers utilize in the domain that placed the cookie can retrieve later.
5To learn more, see the Where we store and process personal data section, and visit the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Data Privacy Framework website .7To learn more, see the Storage and processing of personal data section, and visit the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Data Privacy Framework website .
8Your privacy is important to us.10Your privacy is important to Microsoft.
9This privacy statement explains the personal data Microsoft processes, how Microsoft processes it, and for what purposes.11This privacy statement explains the personal data we process, how we process it, and for what purposes.
10Microsoft offers a wide range of products, including server products used to help operate enterprises worldwide, devices you use in your home, software that students use at school, and services developers use to create and host what’s next.12Microsoft offers a wide range of products, including server products used to help operate enterprises worldwide, devices customers use in their homes, software that students use at school, and services developers use to create and host new products.
14Young people may prefer starting with the Privacy for young people page.16You can find details about personal data collected from children in the Collection of data from children section.
15That page highlights information that may be helpful for young people.17Young people may find it helpful to start with the Privacy for young people page.
16For individuals in the United States, please refer to our U.S. State Data Privacy Notice and the Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy for additional information about the processing of your personal data, and your rights under applicable U.S. state data privacy laws.18For individuals in the United States, please refer to our U.S. State Data Privacy Notice (including notice at collection details) and the Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy for additional information about your rights and the processing of your personal data.
17Personal data we collect Microsoft collects data from you, through our interactions with you and through our products.19Please see the Enterprise and developer products section of this privacy statement for more information about how we process data from organizations that use our products and services, like businesses and schools.
18You provide some of this data directly, and we get some of it by collecting data about your interactions, use, and experiences with our products.20If you use a Microsoft product or a Microsoft account provided by your organization, please see the Products provided by your organization and the Microsoft account sections for more information.
21Personal data we collect Microsoft collects data from users, through your interactions with us and your use of our products.
22You provide some of this data directly, and we get other data by collecting information about your interactions, use, and experiences with our products.
20We also obtain data about you from Microsoft affiliates, subsidiaries, and third parties.24We also obtain data about users from Microsoft affiliates, subsidiaries, and third parties.
21If you represent an organization, such as a business or school, that utilizes Enterprise and Developer Products from Microsoft, please see the Enterprise and developer products section of this privacy statement to learn how we process your data.25You have choices when it comes to the data you share.
22If you are an end user of a Microsoft product or a Microsoft account provided by your organization, please see the Products provided by your organization and the Microsoft account sections for more information.Removed
23You have choices when it comes to the technology you use and the data you share.Removed
27You can also use in-product controls, including those in your web browser or operating system to limit or prevent certain types of data collection.
26If you choose not to provide data -required to provide you with a product or feature, you cannot use that product or feature.29If you choose not to provide or allow us to collect required data, you cannot use the related product or feature.
27Likewise, where we need to collect personal data by law or to enter into or carry out a contract with you, and you do not provide the data, we will not be able to enter into the contract; or if this relates to an existing product you are using, we may have to suspend or cancel it.30Likewise, where we need to collect personal data by law or to enter into or carry out a contract with you, and you do not provide the data, we will not be able to enter into or carry out the contract.
28We will notify you if this is the case at the time.31Where providing the data is optional, and you choose not to share it, features like personalization that use such data will not work for you.
29Where providing the data is optional, and you choose not to share personal data, features like personalization that use such data will not work for you.32Microsoft collects data from users, through your interactions with us and through your use of our products.
30Microsoft collects data from you, through our interactions with you and through our products for a variety of purposes described below, including to operate effectively and provide you with the best experiences with our products.33We collect data in order to operate, improve, and provide you with the best possible experiences.
31You provide some of this data directly, such as when you create a Microsoft account, administer your organization’s licensing account, submit a search query to Bing, register for a Microsoft event, upload a document to OneDrive, sign up for Microsoft 365, or contact us for support.34Some data is provided directly by you, while we collect other data based on how you use our products and communicate with us.
32We get some of it by collecting data about your interactions, use, and experience with our products and communications.35The types and amount of data we collect depend on how you interact with Microsoft, your choices, privacy settings, and the features you use, as well as applicable law.
33In addition, we receive data from Microsoft affiliates, subsidiaries, and third parties.36The data we collect can include the following: Name and contact details .
34We rely on a variety of legal reasons and permissions (sometimes called “legal bases”) to process data, including with your consent, a balancing of legitimate interests, necessity to enter into and perform contracts, and compliance with legal obligations, for a variety of purposes described below.37Your first and last name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and other similar contact details.
35We also obtain data from third parties.38Account credentials .
36We protect data obtained from third parties according to the practices described in this statement, plus any additional restrictions imposed by the source of the data.39Information used to access your account, such as username, password, and password hints.
37These third-party sources vary over time and include: Data brokers from which we purchase demographic data to supplement the data we collect.Removed
38Services that make user-generated content from their service available to others, such as local business reviews or public social media posts.Removed
39Communication services, including email providers and social networks, when you give us permission to access your data on such third-party services or networks.Removed
40Service providers that help us determine your device’s location.Removed
41Partners with which we offer co-branded services or engage in joint marketing activities.Removed
42Developers who create experiences through or for Microsoft products.Removed
43Third parties that deliver experiences through Microsoft products.Removed
44Publicly-available sources, such as open public sector, academic, and commercial data sets and other data sources.Removed
45If you represent an organization, such as a business or school, that utilizes Enterprise and Developer Products from Microsoft, please see the Enterprise and developer products section of this privacy statement to learn how we process your data.Removed
46If you are an end user of a Microsoft product or a Microsoft account provided by your organization, please see the Products provided by your organization and the Microsoft account sections for more information.Removed
47You have choices when it comes to the technology you use and the data you share.Removed
48When you are asked to provide personal data, you can decline.Removed
49Many of our products require some personal data to operate and provide you with a service.Removed
50If you choose not to provide data required to operate and provide you with a product or feature, you cannot use that product or feature.Removed
51Likewise, where we need to collect personal data by law or to enter into or carry out a contract with you, and you do not provide the data, we will not be able to enter into the contract; or if this relates to an existing product you’re using, we may have to suspend or cancel it.Removed
52We will notify you if this is the case at the time.Removed
53Where providing the data is optional, and you choose not to share personal data, features like personalization that use the data will not work for you.Removed
54The data we collect depends on the context of your interactions with Microsoft and the choices you make (including your privacy settings), the products and features you use, your location, and applicable law .Removed
55The data we collect can include the following: Name and contact data .Removed
56Your first and last name, email address, postal address, phone number, and other similar contact data.Removed
57Credentials .Removed
58Passwords, password hints, and similar security information used for authentication and account access.Removed
60Data about you such as your age, gender, country, and preferred language.41Details about you like your age, gender, country, and language preference.
62Data to process payments, such as your payment instrument number (such as a credit card number) and the security code associated with your payment instrument.43Details needed to process payments, including credit card numbers and security codes.
64Information about your subscriptions, licenses, and other entitlements.45Details about your product subscriptions, licenses, and other entitlements.
66Data about your use of Microsoft products.47Information about your use of Microsoft products, including features you use, searches, commands given, error reports, and support requests.
67In some cases, such as search queries, this is data you provide in order to make use of the products.48Device and usage data .
68In other cases, such as error reports, this is data we generate.49Data about your device and product features you use, hardware and software details, product performance, and your settings.
69Other examples of interactions data include: Device and usage data .Removed
70Data about your device and the product and features you use, including information about your hardware and software, how our products perform, as well as your settings.Removed
72Data about the items you purchase and activities associated with your account.51Browsing history .
73Browse history .Removed
74Data about the webpages you visit.Removed
76Data about your device, your device configuration, and nearby networks.53For example, IP addresses, device identifiers, nearby networks, and other information about the operating systems and other software installed on your device.
77For example, data about the operating systems and other software installed on your device, including product keys.54Error reports (“crash dumps”) and performance data .
78In addition, IP address, device identifiers (such as the IMEI number for phones), regional and language settings, and information about WLAN access points near your device.55This usually includes software, hardware, and file content details related to an error, and other software on your device.
79Error reports and performance data .Removed
80Data about the performance of the products and any problems you experience, including error reports.Removed
81Error reports (sometimes called “crash dumps”) can include details of the software or hardware related to an error, contents of files opened when an error occurred, and data about other software on your device.Removed
83Data you provide when you contact Microsoft for help, such as the products you use, and other details that help us provide support.57Data you provide when you contact Microsoft for help.
84For example, contact or authentication data, the content of your chats and other communications with Microsoft, data about the condition of your device, and the products you use related to your help inquiry.58For example, contact or authentication data, the content of your communications with Microsoft, the condition of your device, the products at issue, and other details that help us provide support.
85When you contact us, such as for customer support, phone conversations or chat sessions with our representatives may be monitored and recorded.59Phone conversations or chat sessions with our representatives may be monitored and recorded.
89Data about your interests and favorites, such as the sports teams you follow, the programming languages you prefer, the stocks you track, or cities you add to track things like weather or traffic.63Preferences and interests you share (like favorite sports teams, preferred programming languages, or cities for weather or traffic) or that we infer from your activity, such as your activity on sites that use our technology for ads purposes.
90In addition to those you explicitly provide, your interests and favorites can also be inferred or derived from other data we collect, such as your interactions on websites where our technology is used to show or measure ads.64Content consumption .
91Content consumption data .65Information about the media content you access through our products like TV, video, music/audio, apps, and games.
92Information about media content (e.g., TV, video, music, audio, text books, apps, and games) you access through our products.Removed
94Search queries and commands when you use Microsoft products with search or related productivity functionality, such as interactions with a chat bot.67Search queries and commands you provide in Microsoft products, such as interactions with a chat bot.
96Your voice data, sometimes referred to as “voice clips”, such as search queries, commands, or dictation you speak, which may include background sounds.69Also referred to as “voice clips,” this includes spoken queries commands, or dictation, and may include background sounds.
70Learn more about how Microsoft uses and protects voice data in its speech recognition technologies .
98Text, inking, and typing data and related information.72Data and related information you provide by typing, inking, or using touch input in Microsoft products.
99For example, when we collect inking data, we collect information about the placement of your inking instrument on your device.Removed
101Images and related information, such as picture metadata.74Images and related data, like picture metadata.
102For example, we collect the image you provide when you use a Bing image-enabled service.75For example, we collect the image you provide when you use a Bing image-enabled service or upload an image to Microsoft Copilot.
104Data about your contacts and relationships if you use a product to share information with others, manage contacts, communicate with others, or improve your productivity.77Data about your contacts and relationships if you use a product to manage contacts, share information or communicate with others, or improve your productivity.
78Traffic data .
79Data about your use of Microsoft’s communication services, including whom you’ve contacted and when.
106Information about your relationships and interactions between you, other people, and organizations, such as types of engagement (e.g., likes, dislikes, events, etc.) related to people and organizations.81Information about your interactions and relationships with others, such as likes, events, and other types of engagement.
108Data about your device’s location, which can be either precise or imprecise.83Data about your device’s location, which may be either precise (typically based on GPS, cell tower, or Wi-Fi hotspot location) or imprecise (for example, inferred from an IP address, or city or postal code in your account profile).
109For example, we collect location data using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS) and data about nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots.84Biometric data .
110Location can also be inferred from a device’s IP address or data in your account profile that indicates where it is located with less precision, such as at a city or postal code level.85Unique data about you from specific technical processing related to your physical, physiological, or behavioral characteristics to verify or confirm your identity.
111Biometric data and identifiers .86For instance, you can use your fingerprint or facial recognition to sign in to your Windows device via Windows Hello (please see the Windows Hello section below for more information).
112Data about you resulting from specific technical processing relating to your physical, physiological, or behavioral characteristics which allow or confirm unique identification.87Our collection and use of biometric data depends on the products and features you use and your consent.
113Our collection and use of biometric data depends on the products and features you use in certain Microsoft products, as well as your consent.Removed
114For instance, you can use your fingerprint or facial recognition to sign in to your Windows device via Windows Hello.Removed
115Please see the Windows Hello section below for more information.Removed
117Other inputs provided when you use our products.89Data generated from using devices or participating in events, like buttons you press on an Xbox controller or other activity data, or information you provide when registering or attending an in-person event.
118For example, data such as the buttons you press on an Xbox wireless controller using the Xbox network, skeletal tracking data when you use Kinect, and other sensor data, like the number of steps you take, when you use devices that have applicable sensors.Removed
119If you attend an in-store event, we collect the data you provide to us when registering for or during the event and if you enter into a prize promotion, we collect the data you input into the entry form.Removed
121Content of your files and communications you input, upload, receive, create, and control.91Information in files and messages, emails, chats, calls, meetings, photos, documents, and other media you create or share using Microsoft products.
122For example, if you transmit a file using Teams to another Teams user, we need to collect the content of that file to display it to you and the other user.92Video and audio recordings at Microsoft locations .
123If you receive an email using Outlook.com, we need to collect the content of that email to deliver it to your inbox, display it to you, enable you to reply to it, and store it for you until you choose to delete it.93Recordings of events and activities at Microsoft buildings, retail spaces, and other locations, which may include your image and voice data.
124Other content we collect when providing products to you include: Communications, including audio, video, text (typed, inked, dictated, or otherwise), in a message, email, call, meeting request, or chat.Removed
125Photos, images, songs, movies, software, and other media or documents you store, retrieve, or otherwise process with our cloud.Removed
126Video or recordings .Removed
127Recordings of events and activities at Microsoft buildings, retail spaces, and other locations.Removed
128If you enter Microsoft Store locations or other facilities, or attend a Microsoft event that is recorded, we may process your image and voice data.Removed
130Information you provide to us and the content of messages you send to us, such as feedback, survey data, and product reviews you write.95Information you provide in feedback, surveys, or product reviews.
131Traffic data .Removed
132Data generated through your use of Microsoft’s communications services.Removed
133Traffic data indicates with whom you have communicated and when your communications occurred.Removed
134We will process your traffic data only as required to provide, maintain, and improve our communications services and we do so with your consent.Removed
97We also receive data from Microsoft affiliates, subsidiaries, and third parties.
98We protect data obtained from third parties according to the practices described in this statement, plus any additional restrictions imposed by the source of the data.
99These third-party sources vary over time and include: Data brokers from which we purchase demographic data and contact information to supplement the data we collect.
100Services that make user-generated content from their service available to others, such as reviews of local businesses or public social media posts.
101Communication services, including email providers and social networks, when you give us permission to access your data on such third-party services or networks.
102Service providers that help us determine your device’s location.
103Partners with whom we engage in joint marketing activities.
104Developers who create experiences through or for Microsoft products.
105Third parties that deliver experiences through Microsoft products.
106Publicly available sources, such as open public sector, academic, and commercial data sets.
107You have choices when it comes to the data you share.
108When you are asked to provide personal data, you can decline.
109You can also use web browser, in-product, or operating system controls to limit or prevent certain types of automatic data collection.
110Many of our products require some personal data to operate and provide you with a service.
111If you choose not to provide or allow us to collect required data, you cannot use the related product or feature.
112Likewise, where we need to collect personal data by law or to enter into or carry out a contract with you and you do not provide the data, we will not be able to enter into or carry out the contract.
113Where providing the data is optional, and you choose not to share personal data, features like personalization that use the data will not work for you.
137In particular, we use data to: Provide our products, which includes updating, securing, and troubleshooting, as well as providing support.115Specifically, we use data to: Provide our products, which includes updating, securing, and troubleshooting, as well as providing support and making recommendations.
138It also includes sharing data, when it is required to provide the service or carry out the transactions you request.Removed
140Personalize our products and make recommendations.Removed
141Advertise and market to you, which includes sending promotional communications, targeting advertising, and presenting you with relevant offers.Removed
142We also use the data to operate our business, which includes analyzing our performance, meeting our legal obligations, developing our workforce, and doing research.Removed
143In carrying out these purposes, we combine data we collect from different contexts (for example, from your use of two Microsoft products) or obtain from third parties to give you a more seamless, consistent, and personalized experience, to make informed business decisions, and for other legitimate purposes.Removed
144Our processing of personal data for these purposes includes both automated and manual (human) methods of processing.Removed
145Our automated methods often are related to and supported by our manual methods.Removed
146For example, to build, train, and improve the accuracy of our automated methods of processing (including artificial intelligence or AI), we manually review some of the output produced by the automated methods against the underlying data.Removed
149Microsoft uses the data we collect to provide you rich, interactive experiences.119Advertise and market to you, which includes sending promotional communications, personalized advertising, and presenting relevant offers.
150In particular, we use data to: Provide our products, which includes updating, securing, and troubleshooting, as well as providing support.Removed
151It also includes sharing data, when it is required to provide the service or carry out the transactions you request.Removed
152Improve and develop our products.Removed
153Personalize our products and make recommendations.Removed
154Advertise and market to you, which includes sending promotional communications, targeting advertising, and presenting you relevant offers.Removed
156For these purposes, we combine data we collect from different contexts (for example, from your use of two Microsoft products).121Microsoft uses the data we collect to provide you with rich, interactive experiences.
157For example, Microsoft Store uses information about the apps and services you use to make personalized app recommendations.122We also use the data to operate our business, which includes analyzing our performance, meeting our legal obligations, developing our workforce, and doing research.
158However, we have built in technological and procedural safeguards designed to prevent certain data combinations where required by law.123Microsoft is committed to protecting the security of your personal data and uses a variety of security technologies and procedures to help protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
159For example, where required by law, we store data we collect from you when you are unauthenticated (not signed in) separately from any account information that directly identifies you, such as your name, email address, or phone number.124For example, we store personal data you provide on computer systems that have limited access and are in controlled facilities.
160Our processing of personal data for these purposes includes both automated and manual (human) methods of processing.125When we transmit highly confidential data (such as credit card number or password) over the internet, we protect it through the use of encryption.
161Our automated methods often are related to and supported by our manual methods.126Specifically, we use data to: Provide our products .
162For example, to build, train, and improve the accuracy of our automated methods of processing (including artificial intelligence or AI), we manually review some of the output produced by the automated methods against the underlying data.127We use data to operate and deliver our products, such as processing files you upload to OneDrive so you can access, edit, and manage them.
163As part of our efforts to improve and develop our products, we may use your data to develop and train our AI models.128This also includes: Communications .
164Learn more here .129We may use your data to contact you for various reasons, such as to inform you about your subscriptions, tell you when product updates are available, or contact you about your account.
165Purposes and legal bases for processing When we process personal data about you, we do so with your consent and/or as required to provide the products you use, operate our business, meet our contractual and legal obligations, protect the security and safety of our systems and our customers, or fulfill other legitimate interests of Microsoft or third parties as described in this section and in the Reasons we share personal data section of this privacy statement.Removed
166Our bases for processing your personal data may vary depending on how and across what products and services we process your data.Removed
167When we process personal data based on our or a third party’s legitimate interests, we consider and balance those interests against your rights and freedoms, and we will only process your personal data where the legitimate interests we have in processing are not outweighed by your interests.Removed
168When we transfer personal data from the European Economic Area, we do so based on a variety of legal mechanisms, as described in the Where we store and process personal data section of this privacy statement.Removed
169More on the purposes of processing: Provide our products .Removed
170We use data to operate our products and provide you with rich, interactive experiences.Removed
171For example, if you use OneDrive, we process the documents you upload to OneDrive to enable you to retrieve, delete, edit, forward, or otherwise process it, at your direction as part of the service.Removed
172Or, for example, if you enter a search query in the Bing search engine, we use that query to display search results to you.Removed
173Additionally, as communications are a feature of various products, programs, and activities, we use data to contact you.Removed
174For example, we may contact you by phone or email or other means to inform you when a subscription is ending or discuss your licensing account.Removed
175We also communicate with you to secure our products, for example by letting you know when product updates are available.Removed
176Product improvement .Removed
177We use data to continually improve our products, including adding new features or capabilities.Removed
178For example, we use error reports to improve security features, search queries and clicks in Bing to improve the relevancy of the search results, usage data to determine what new features to prioritize, and voice data to develop and improve speech recognition accuracy.Removed
180Many products include personalized features, such as recommendations that enhance your productivity and enjoyment.131Many products include personalized features and use automated processes to tailor your experience based on your data and inferences based on your activities, interests, and location.
181These features use automated processes to tailor your product experiences based on the data we have about you, such as inferences we make about you and your use of the product, activities, interests, and location.132You can sync settings across devices via your Microsoft account, and many products allow you to turn off personalized features.
182For example, depending on your settings, if you stream movies in a browser on your Windows device, you may see a recommendation for an app from the Microsoft Store that streams more efficiently.Removed
183If you have a Microsoft account, with your permission, we can sync your settings on several devices.Removed
184Many of our products provide controls to disable personalized features.Removed
186We use data—such as device and application type, location, and unique device, application, network, and subscription identifiers—to activate products that require activation.134We use data like device and application type, location, and unique identifiers to activate products.
135Transactions .
136We use data like your payment and contact information to carry out your transactions with us and deliver your purchases.
137Customer support .
138We use the data to help us troubleshoot and resolve issues, repair devices, investigate security incidents, and to provide, improve, and secure the quality of our products, services, and training.
139We may use voice data from support calls for authentication and security purposes.
140Security and Safety .
141We use data to protect the security and safety of our products and customers, such as by detecting malware and malicious activities.
142We reserve the right to block communications or remove content that violates our terms of use.
143We use scanning technologies (like hash matching) to help prevent harm to our systems, our users, and others as described in our Code of Conduct, and to help prevent child exploitation.
144We may share information with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and law enforcement authorities.
145We also use tools to detect and disrupt the misuse of video-calling capabilities to produce and share child sexual exploitation and abuse imagery by high-risk users.
146Learn more about our efforts to prevent and detect child exploitation here .
147Providing Age Appropriate Experiences .
148We use information associated with your Microsoft account to provide more age-appropriate experiences across our services.
149This may include information you provide, such as your date of birth or settings you choose in your account, information from your use of Microsoft services, such as how you interact with features, content, and products, or information from partners or verification services, such as age range signals received from app stores.
150We use this information to help us apply age-appropriate protections, settings, and experiences.
151When we apply age-based protections, we generally apply them across Microsoft services connected to your account so that your experience is consistent.
152Troubleshooting and Updates .
153We use data to troubleshoot and resolve performance issues, develop updates and security patches, and notify users of product updates.
154This may include using automated systems to detect security and safety issues.
155Product Improvement and Development Product improvement .
156We use data to improve our products, including adding new features and capabilities.
157For example, we use error reports to improve security features, queries and clicks in Bing to improve search results, and voice data to develop and improve speech recognition accuracy.
190Customer support .161As part of our efforts to improve and develop our products, we may use your data to develop, train, and fine-tune our AI models, including large language models (LLMs).
191We use data to troubleshoot and diagnose product problems, repair customers’ devices, and provide other customer care and support services, including to help us provide, improve, and secure the quality of our products, services, and training, and to investigate security incidents.162Learn more here .
192Call recording data may also be used to authenticate or identify you based on your voice to enable Microsoft to provide support services and investigate security incidents.163Marketing, Advertising, and Promotions Promotional communications .
193Help secure and troubleshoot .164We use data to send you promotional messages.
194We use data to help secure and troubleshoot our products.165See the How to access and control your personal data section for information on managing your contact data, email subscriptions, and promotional messages.
195This includes using data to protect the security and safety of our products and customers, detecting malware and malicious activities, troubleshooting performance and compatibility issues to help customers get the most out of their experiences, and notifying customers of updates to our products.Removed
196This may include using automated systems to detect security and safety issues.Removed
197Safety .Removed
198We use data to protect the safety of our products and our customers.Removed
199Our security features and products can disrupt the operation of malicious software and notify users if malicious software is found on their devices.Removed
200For example, some of our products, such as Outlook.com or OneDrive, systematically scan content in an automated manner to identify suspected spam, viruses, abusive actions, or URLs that have been flagged as fraud, phishing, or malware links; and we reserve the right to block delivery of a communication or remove content if it violates our terms.Removed
201In accordance with European Union Regulation (EU) 2021/1232, we have invoked the derogation permitted by that Regulation from Articles 5(1) and 6(1) of EU Directive 2002/58/EC.Removed
202We use scanning technologies to create digital signatures (known as “hashes”) of certain images and video content on our systems.Removed
203These technologies then compare the hashes they generate with hashes of reported child sexual exploitation and abuse imagery (known as a “hash set”), in a process called “hash matching”.Removed
204Microsoft obtains hash sets from organizations that act in the public interest against child sex abuse.Removed
205This can result in sharing information with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and law enforcement authorities.Removed
206We also use tools to detect and disrupt the misuse of video-calling capabilities to produce and share child sexual exploitation and abuse imagery by high-risk users.Removed
207Learn more about our efforts to prevent and detect child exploitation here .Removed
208Updates .Removed
209We use data we collect to develop product updates and security patches.Removed
210For example, we may use information about your device’s capabilities, such as available memory, to provide you a software update or security patch.Removed
211Updates and patches are intended to maximize your experience with our products, help you protect the privacy and security of your data, provide new features, and evaluate whether your device is ready to process such updates.Removed
212Promotional communications .Removed
213We use data we collect to deliver promotional communications.Removed
214You can sign up for email subscriptions and choose whether you wish to receive promotional communications from Microsoft by email, SMS, physical mail, and telephone.Removed
215If you consent to receiving marketing communications to a phone number you provide us, we may contact you for marketing purposes using an auto-dialer and/or artificial/prerecorded voice, which may be generated using artificial intelligence.Removed
216For information about managing your contact data, email subscriptions, and promotional communications, see the How to access and control your personal data section of this privacy statement.Removed
218Microsoft uses data to provide you with relevant and valuable information regarding our products.167Microsoft uses data to provide you with product information and offers likely to interest you, such as new games based on your activity.
219We analyze data from a variety of sources to predict the information that will be most interesting and relevant to you and deliver such information to you in a variety of ways.Removed
220For example, we may predict your interest in gaming and communicate with you about new games you may like.Removed
222Microsoft does not use what you say in email, human-to-human chat, video calls, or voice mail, or your documents, photos, or other personal files to target ads to you.169We use data for advertising on Microsoft and third-party properties, sometimes using automated processes to make ads more relevant.
223We use data we collect through our interactions with you, through some of our first-party products, services, apps, and web properties (Microsoft properties), and on third-party web properties, for advertising on our Microsoft properties and on third-party properties.170Microsoft does not use what you say in emails, human-to-human chat, video calls or voice mail, or your personal files, photos, or documents to target ads to you.
224We may use automated processes to help make advertising more relevant to you.171See the Advertising section for more details.
225For more information about how your data is used for advertising, see the Advertising section of this privacy statement.Removed
227We use your data to administer prize promotions and events available in our physical Microsoft Stores.173We use your data to administer prize contests and events and to select winners.
229Or, if you register for a coding workshop or gaming event, we will add your name to the list of expected attendees.175Business Operations Reporting and business operations .
230Transacting commerce .176We use data to analyze and improve our business, make informed decisions, and report on our business’ performance.
231We use data to carry out your transactions with us.Removed
232For example, we process payment information to provide customers with product subscriptions and use contact information to deliver goods purchased from the Microsoft Store.Removed
233Reporting and business operations .Removed
234We use data to analyze our operations and perform business intelligence.Removed
235This enables us to make informed decisions and report on the performance of our business.Removed
238For example, we use data to confirm the validity of software licenses to reduce piracy.179For example, we use data to confirm software licenses to reduce piracy and combat fraud.
243We also process contact information and credentials to help customers exercise their data protection rights.184Research .
244Research.185With appropriate safeguards for individuals’ rights and freedoms, we use data for research, including AI and machine learning, for public interest and scientific purposes.
245With appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard individuals’ rights and freedoms, we use data to conduct research, including advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities for the benefit of the public interest and scientific purposes.186We combine data collected from different contexts or obtained from third parties to give you a more seamless, consistent, and personalized experience, to make informed business decisions, and for other legitimate purposes.
246View Summary Learn more Back to top Reasons we share personal data We share your personal data with your consent or to complete any transaction or provide any product you have requested or authorized.187For example, Microsoft Store uses information about the apps and services you use to make personalized app recommendations.
247We also share data with Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries; with vendors working on our behalf; when required by law or to respond to legal process; to protect our customers; to protect lives; to maintain the security of our products; and to protect the rights and property of Microsoft and its customers.188We use technological and procedural safeguards to prevent certain data combinations; for example, we store data collected from unauthenticated users separately from account information that directly identifies you, such as your name, email address, or phone number.
248Please note that, as defined under certain U.S. state data privacy laws, “sharing” also relates to providing personal data to third parties for personalized advertising purposes.189Our processing of personal data involves both automated and manual (human) methods, which often work together.
249Please see the U.S. State Data Privacy section below and our U.S. State Data Privacy Laws Notice for more information.190For example, to build, train, and improve the accuracy of our automated systems – such as AI - we manually review some of the results against the underlying data.
250We share your personal data with your consent or as necessary to complete any transaction or provide any product you have requested or authorized.191Legal bases for processing We process your personal data with your consent and/or when it’s necessary to provide the products you use, operate our business, meet our contractual and legal obligations, protect the security and safety of our systems and our customers, or pursue our legitimate interests or those of third parties.
251For example, we share your content with third parties when you tell us to do so, such as when you send an email to a friend, share photos and documents on OneDrive, or link accounts with another service.192Our reasons for using your data are described here and in the Reasons we disclose personal data section.
252If you use a Microsoft product provided by an organization you are affiliated with, such as an employer or school, or use an email address provided by such organization to access Microsoft products, we share certain data, such as interaction data and diagnostic data to enable your organization to manage the products.193Our legal basis for processing may vary depending on how and across what products or services we process your data.
253When you provide payment data to make a purchase, we will share payment data with banks and other entities that process payment transactions or provide other financial services, and for fraud prevention and credit risk reduction.194When we rely on legitimate interests, we consider and balance those interests against your rights and freedoms and will only process your data if these interests are not outweighed by your own.
254Additionally, when you save a payment method (such as a card) to your account that you and other Microsoft account holders use to make purchases from Microsoft or its affiliates, your purchase receipts may be shared with anyone else who uses and has access to the same payment method to make a purchase from Microsoft, including the payment method’s named accountholder.195Our retention of personal data Microsoft retains personal data for as long as necessary to provide the products and services you use and to fulfill the transactions you request.
255When you permit push notifications for Microsoft products or applications on a non-Windows device, the operating system of that device will process some personal data to provide push notifications.196We also retain personal data for other legitimate purposes such as operating our business, meeting our contractual and legal obligations, improving and developing our products and services, protecting the safety and security of our systems and customers, and resolving disputes.
256Accordingly, Microsoft may send data to an external, third-party notification provider to deliver push notifications.197Because these needs can vary for different data types and the context of our interactions with you or your use of our products, actual retention periods can vary significantly.
198See relevant product documentation for more information.
199Criteria used to determine retention periods include: The purposes for which we use the information.
200For example, when you store a document in OneDrive, we maintain the data until you actively delete it.
201The nature and sensitivity of the information.
202For example, we maintain a shortened retention period for precise geolocation information.
203Legal, contractual, and other similar obligations we are subject to, including data retention laws, government orders to preserve data relevant to an investigation, or data retained for the purposes of litigation.
204Conversely, we’ll remove unlawful content where required by law.
205View Summary Learn more Back to top Reasons we disclose personal data Microsoft discloses your personal data with your consent, to complete any transaction or provide any product you have requested or authorized, or as needed to carry out any other purpose described in the How we use personal data section.
206We also disclose personal data when required by law or to respond to legal process, and to protect customers, safety, security, and Microsoft and its customers’ rights and property.
207We provide data to Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries and to vendors working on our behalf.
208We disclose your personal data with your consent, as necessary to complete any transaction or provide any product you have requested or authorized, or as needed to carry out any other purpose described in How we use personal data section.
209For example, we provide your content to third parties when you tell us to do so, such as when you send an email to a friend or link accounts with another service.
210If you use a work or school account or use a Microsoft product provided by an organization you are affiliated with, such as an employer or school, we disclose certain data such as interaction data and diagnostic data to enable your organization to manage the products.
211We will disclose payment data to banks and other payment transaction processors and financial services providers to fulfill your purchases with us, and for fraud prevention and credit risk reduction.
212If you save a payment method (such as a card) to an account used by you and other Microsoft account holders, your purchase receipts may be available to anyone else who uses and has access to the same payment method to make a purchase from Microsoft.
213When you permit push notifications for Microsoft products or applications on a non-Windows device, we may send data to an external notification provider to deliver push notifications.
258We also share personal data for digital advertising purposes.215We also disclose personal data for digital advertising purposes.
259When you visit a website or use an app that wants to show you ads, the digital property may allow Microsoft to access or receive device data or certain other data identified in the Personal data we collect section above.216Please see the Advertising section for more information about how personal data is used for advertising.
260We may then share this information with third party advertising platforms and advertisers to facilitate the delivery and measurement of ads on such digital properties.217In addition, we enable access to personal data among Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries, including for the purposes described in this privacy statement.
261Please see the Advertising and U.S. State Data Privacy sections below for more information about how your data is used for advertising.218We also provide personal data to vendors or agents working on our behalf for the purposes described in this statement, such as companies we hire to provide customer service support.
262In addition, we share personal data among Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries, including for the purposes described in this privacy statement.219These companies must comply with our data privacy and security standards and may not use your data for other purposes.
263We also share personal data with vendors or agents working on our behalf for the purposes described in this statement.220We may also disclose personal data as part of corporate transactions such as mergers or asset sales.
264For example, companies we've hired to provide customer service support or assist in protecting and securing our systems and services may need access to personal data to provide those functions.221Finally, we retain, access, transfer, disclose, and preserve personal data, including your content (like the content of your emails in Outlook.com or files in OneDrive), when we have a good faith belief that it is necessary to do any of the following: Comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, including from law enforcement or other government agencies.
265In such cases, these companies must abide by our data privacy and security requirements and are not allowed to use personal data they receive from us for any other purpose.222Protect the safety of our customers, organizations, and the public — for example, to prevent spam; stop attempts to defraud or otherwise cause harm, or to detect, prevent, and combat harmful or illegal behavior including the creation and sharing of harmful or illegal content.
266We may also disclose personal data as part of a corporate transaction such as a merger or sale of assets.Removed
267Finally, we will retain, access, transfer, disclose, and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails in Outlook.com, or files in private folders on OneDrive), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to do any of the following: Comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, including from law enforcement or other government agencies.Removed
268Protect the safety of our customers, organizations, and the public — for example, to prevent spam or attempts to defraud or otherwise cause harm, or to detect, prevent, and combat harmful or illegal behavior including the creation and sharing of harmful or illegal content.Removed
270Protect the rights or property of Microsoft, including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services—however, if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft, we will not inspect a customer's private content ourselves, but we may refer the matter to law enforcement.224Protect the rights or property of Microsoft, including enforcing the terms governing the use of our services.
225If we receive information indicating our services are used to traffic in stolen property, we may refer the matter to law enforcement.
228For example, third party applications or extensions that run on Windows or Edge browser may collect personal data based on their own practices.
274View Summary Learn more Back to top How to access and control your personal data You can also make choices about the collection and use of your data by Microsoft.230View Summary Learn more Back to top How to access and control your personal data You can make choices about the collection and use of your data by Microsoft.
275You can control your personal data that Microsoft has obtained, and exercise your data protection rights, by contacting Microsoft or using various tools we provide.231You can control your personal data that Microsoft has obtained and exercise your data protection rights by contacting Microsoft or using various tools we provide, such as the Microsoft privacy dashboard .
276In some cases, your ability to access or control your personal data will be limited, as required or permitted by applicable law.232Not all personal data processed by Microsoft can be accessed or controlled via the tools described in this section.
277How you can access or control your personal data will also depend on which products you use.233If you want to exercise your data protection rights for your personal data processed by Microsoft that is not available via the tools we provide or directly through the Microsoft products you use, you can always contact Microsoft as described in the How to contact us section or by visiting our privacy support and requests page.
278For example, you can: Control the use of your data for personalized advertising from Microsoft, including Xandr, by visiting our opt-out page .Removed
279Choose whether you wish to receive promotional emails, SMS messages, telephone calls, and postal mail from Microsoft by visiting our privacy support and requests page.Removed
280Access and clear some of your data through the Microsoft privacy dashboard .Removed
281Not all personal data processed by Microsoft can be accessed or controlled via the tools above.Removed
282If you want to exercise your data protection rights for your personal data processed by Microsoft that is not available via the tools above or directly through the Microsoft products you use, you can always contact Microsoft at the address in the How to contact us section or by visiting our privacy support and requests page.Removed
284You can also make choices about the collection and use of your data by Microsoft.235You can make choices about the collection and use of your data by Microsoft.
285You can control your personal data that Microsoft has obtained, and exercise your data protection rights, by contacting Microsoft or using various tools we provide.236You can control your personal data that Microsoft has obtained, and exercise your data protection rights, by contacting Microsoft or using various tools we provide (described below).
286In some cases, your ability to access or control your personal data will be limited, as required or permitted by applicable law.Removed
287How you can access or control your personal data will also depend on which products you use.Removed
288For example, you can: Control the use of your data for personalized advertising from Microsoft by visiting our opt-out page .Removed
289Choose whether you wish to receive promotional emails, SMS messages, telephone calls, and postal mail from Microsoft by visiting our privacy support and requests page.Removed
290Access and clear some of your data through the Microsoft privacy dashboard .Removed
291Not all personal data processed by Microsoft can be accessed or controlled via the tools above.Removed
292If you want to exercise your data protection rights for your personal data processed by Microsoft that is not available via the tools above or directly through the Microsoft products you use, you can always contact Microsoft at the address in the How to contact us section or by visiting our privacy support and requests page.Removed
293We provide aggregate metrics about user requests to exercise their data protection rights via the Microsoft Privacy Report .Removed
294You can access and control your personal data that Microsoft has obtained with tools Microsoft provides to you, which are described below, or by contacting Microsoft.Removed
300For example, you can object at any time to our use of your personal data: For direct marketing purposes.242For example, you can object at any time to our use of your personal data for direct marketing purposes or where we are performing a task in the public interest or pursuing our legitimate interests or those of a third party.
301Where we are performing a task in the public interest or pursuing our legitimate interests or those of a third party.Removed
304You can access and control your personal data that Microsoft has obtained, and exercise your data protection rights, using various tools we provide.245The tools most useful to access and control your personal data that Microsoft has obtained depends on our interactions with you and your use of our products.
305The tools most useful to you will depend on our interactions with you and your use of our products.246The following is a general list of tools we provide to help you control your personal data; specific products may provide additional controls.
306Here is a general list of tools we provide to help you control your personal data; specific products may provide additional controls.247Please refer to the product specific sections below for more information about how you can access your data through other in-product features.
308If you are signed into Bing, you can view and clear your stored search and chat history on your privacy dashboard .249If you are signed into Bing with your Microsoft account, you can view and clear your stored search and chat history on your privacy dashboard .
309If you are not signed into Bing, you can view and clear stored search history associated to your device in your Bing settings .250If you are not signed in, you can view and clear stored search history associated with your device in your Bing settings .
251Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot .
252If you are signed into Microsoft Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot with your Microsoft account, you can view, access, export and delete Copilot activity history from your privacy dashboard .
253You can also use in-product controls to manage your data within the Microsoft Copilot website or app.
311If you wish to access, edit, or remove the profile information and payment information in your Microsoft account, change your password, add security information or close your account, you can do so by visiting the Microsoft account website .255You can visit the Microsoft account website if you want to access, edit, or remove your account’s profile and payment information, change your password, add security information or close your account.
312If you have a Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) public profile, you can access and edit your data by signing in at MSDN forum .Removed
314You can control some of the data Microsoft processes through your use of a Microsoft account on the Microsoft privacy dashboard .257You can control some of the data Microsoft processes via your Microsoft account on the Microsoft privacy dashboard .
315From here, for example, you can view and clear the browsing, search, and location data associated with your Microsoft account.258For example, you can view and clear the browsing, search, and location data associated with your Microsoft account.
325If you wish to access, edit, or remove some profile and payment information for Skype or change your password, sign in to your account .268If you wish to access, edit, or remove some profile information for Skype or change your password, sign in to your account .
327Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).Removed
328If you are a Volume Licensing customer, you can control your contact information and subscription and licensing data in one location by visiting the Volume Licensing Service Center website .Removed
330If you use the Xbox network or Xbox.com, you can view or edit your personal data, including billing and account information, privacy settings, and online safety and data sharing preferences by accessing My Xbox on the Xbox console or on the Xbox.com website.271If you use the Xbox network or Xbox.com, you can view or edit your personal data, including billing and account information, privacy settings, and online safety and data sharing preferences by accessing My Xbox on the Xbox console or on Xbox.com.
332If you want to access or control personal data processed by Microsoft that is not available via the tools above or directly through the Microsoft products you use, you can always contact Microsoft at the address in the How to contact us section or by visiting our privacy support and requests page.273If you want to access or control personal data processed by Microsoft that is not available via the tools above or directly through the Microsoft products you use, you can contact Microsoft at the address in the How to contact us section or by visiting our privacy support and requests page.
333We will respond to requests to control your personal data as required by applicable law.274Your communications preferences You can choose whether to receive promotional communications from Microsoft by email, SMS, mail, or phone.
334Your communications preferences You can choose whether you wish to receive promotional communications from Microsoft by email, SMS, physical mail, and telephone.275To opt out of promotional emails or SMS, follow the directions in the message.
335If you receive promotional email or SMS messages from us and would like to opt out, you can do so by following the directions in that message.276For more options – including managing contact info, Microsoft-wide contact preferences, email subscriptions, and sharing info with partners – sign in to your personal Microsoft account, and visit your communication permissions page.
336You can also make choices about the receipt of promotional email, telephone calls, and postal mail by signing in with your personal Microsoft account, and viewing your communication permissions where you can update contact information, manage Microsoft-wide contact preferences, opt out of email subscriptions, and choose whether to share your contact information with Microsoft partners.277If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can manage your Microsoft email contact preferences by using this web form .
337If you do not have a personal Microsoft account, you can manage your Microsoft email contact preferences by using this web form .278These choices do not apply to mandatory service communications or other informational messages with their own unsubscribe method.
338These choices do not apply to mandatory service communications that are part of certain Microsoft products, programs, activities, or to surveys or other informational communications that have their own unsubscribe method.279Your advertising choices To opt out of receiving personalized advertising from Microsoft (including Xandr) visit our Personalized ads and offers page .
339Your advertising choices To opt out of receiving personalized advertising from Microsoft, including Xandr, visit our opt-out page .280You can also see our third party ad partners and opt out of data sharing for personalized ads at our Third-party ad settings page .
340When you opt out, your preference is stored in a cookie that is specific to the web browser you are using.281When you’re logged into your Microsoft account, your opt out choice will be associated with your account and applied across devices whenever you are signed in.
341The opt-out cookie has an expiration date of five years.282If you are not signed in and choose to opt out, your preference is stored in a browser-specific cookie on your device, valid for five years; if you delete cookies, you must opt out again.
342If you delete the cookies on your device, you need to opt out again.283For Microsoft-controlled ads in Windows apps, use the opt-out linked to your personal Microsoft account, or turn off the advertising ID in Windows settings to opt out of personalized advertising.
343You can also link your opt-out choice with your personal Microsoft account.284Data used for personalized advertising is also used for other required purposes, such as product delivery, analytics, and fraud detection.
344It will then apply on any device where you use that account and will continue to apply until someone signs in with a different personal Microsoft account on that device.285You will still see ads even if you opt out of personalized ads, but they may be less relevant to you.
345If you delete the cookies on your device, you will need to sign in again for the settings to apply.286You can opt out of personalized advertising from third-party partners by visiting their sites.
346You can view our third party ad partners on the U.S. State Data Privacy Laws Notice , and opt-out of data sharing with third parties at our opt-out page .287Please see our Advertising section below for more information.
347For Microsoft-controlled advertising that appears in apps on Windows, you may use the opt-out linked to your personal Microsoft account, or opt out of interest-based advertising by turning off the advertising ID in Windows settings.Removed
348Because the data used for interest-based advertising is also used for other required purposes (including providing our products, analytics, and fraud detection), opting out of interest-based advertising does not stop that data collection.Removed
349You will continue to get ads, although they may be less relevant to you.Removed
350You can opt out of receiving interest-based advertising from third parties we partner with by visiting their sites (see above).Removed
353You can control the data stored by cookies and withdraw consent to cookies by using the browser-based cookie controls described in the Cookies section of this privacy statement.290You can control the data stored by cookies and withdraw consent to cookies by using the browser-based cookie controls described in the Cookies section.
355You can control the data third-party sites can collect about you using Tracking Protection in Internet Explorer (versions 9 and up) and Microsoft Edge.292You can control the data third-party sites can collect about you using Tracking Protection in Microsoft Edge.
357Browser controls for "Do Not Track." Some browsers have incorporated "Do Not Track" (DNT) features that can send a signal to the websites you visit indicating you do not wish to be tracked.294Universal Opt-Outs .
358Because there is not yet a common understanding of how to interpret the DNT signal, Microsoft services do not currently respond to browser DNT signals.295Microsoft receives and responds to the Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser opt-out signal in certain jurisdictions.
359We continue to work with the online industry to define a common understanding of how to treat DNT signals.296Microsoft will turn off sharing your data with third parties for personalized ads and turn off the “Share my data with third parties for personalized ads” toggle if we receive a GPC signal from you when you visit our sites.
360In the meantime, you can use the range of other tools we provide to control data collection and use, including the ability to opt out of receiving interest-based advertising from Microsoft as described above.297View Summary Learn more Back to top Cookies and similar technologies We use cookies and similar technologies, such as web beacons and pixels, for storing and honoring your preferences and settings, enabling you to sign in, providing personalized advertising, combating fraud, analyzing how our products perform, and fulfilling other legitimate purposes.
361View Summary Learn more Back to top Cookies and similar technologies Cookies are small text files placed on your device to store data that can be recalled by a web server in the domain that placed the cookie.Removed
362We use cookies and similar technologies for storing and honoring your preferences and settings, enabling you to sign in, providing interest-based advertising, combating fraud, analyzing how our products perform, and fulfilling other legitimate purposes.Removed
363Microsoft apps use additional identifiers, such as the advertising ID in Windows described in the Advertising ID section of this privacy statement, for similar purposes.Removed
364We also use “web beacons” to help deliver cookies and gather usage and performance data.Removed
366Third party cookies may include: Social Media cookies designed to show you ads and content based on your social media profiles and activities on our websites; Analytics cookies to better understand how you and others use our websites so that we can make them better, and so the third parties can improve their own products and services; Advertising cookies to show you ads that are relevant to you; and Required cookies used to perform essential website functions.299Third party cookies may be used for required purposes to provide the website or service, to show you ads and content based on your social media profiles and activities on our websites, to better understand how you and others use our websites so that we can make them better and so the third parties can improve their own products and services, and to show you ads that are relevant to you.
367Where required, we obtain your consent prior to placing or using optional cookies that are not (i) strictly necessary to provide the website; or (ii) for the purpose of facilitating a communication.300You can control the data collected by cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies.
368Please see the Learn more section below for information about our use of third party cookies, web beacons and analytics services, and other similar technologies on our websites and services.301For example, you can use controls in your internet browser to limit how the websites you visit are able to use or to clear or to block cookies.
369For a list of the third parties that set cookies on our websites, including service providers acting on our behalf, please visit our third party cookie inventory.302Where required, we obtain your consent prior to placing or using optional cookies that are not (i) strictly necessary to provide the website or service; or (ii) for the purpose of facilitating a communication.
370On some of our websites, a list of third parties is available directly on the site.303Where consent is required, you may withdraw consent to optional cookies by clicking “Manage cookies” in the footer of the website.
371The third parties on these sites may not be included in the list on our third party cookie inventory .304We use cookies and similar technologies to store and honor your preferences and settings, enable you to sign-in, provide personalized advertising, combat fraud, analyze how our products perform, and fulfill other legitimate purposes described below.
372You have a variety of tools to control the data collected by cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies.Removed
373For example, you can use controls in your internet browser to limit how the websites you visit are able to use cookies and to withdraw your consent by clearing or blocking cookies.Removed
374Cookies are small text files placed on your device to store data that can be recalled by a web server in the domain that placed the cookie.Removed
375This data often consists of a string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies your computer, but it can contain other information as well.Removed
377We use cookies and similar technologies to store and honor your preferences and settings, enable you to sign-in, provide interest-based advertising, combat fraud, analyze how our products perform, and fulfill other legitimate purposes described below.306Microsoft apps use additional identifiers, such as the Advertising ID in Windows, for similar purposes, and many of our websites and applications also contain web beacons or other similar technologies, as described below.
378Microsoft apps use additional identifiers, such as the advertising ID in Windows, for similar purposes, and many of our websites and applications also contain web beacons or other similar technologies, as described below.307How we use cookies and similar technologies Preferences and settings .
379Our use of cookies and similar technologies Microsoft uses cookies and similar technologies for several purposes, depending on the context or product, including: Storing your preferences and settings .308We use cookies to store and save your choices – like language settings or your ad preferences – so you don’t need to set them again.
380We use cookies to store your preferences and settings on your device, and to enhance your experiences.Removed
381For example, depending on your settings, if you enter your city or postal code to get local news or weather information on a Microsoft website, we store that data in a cookie so that you will see the relevant local information when you return to the site.Removed
382Saving your preferences with cookies, such as your preferred language, prevents you from having to set your preferences repeatedly.Removed
383If you opt out of interest-based advertising, we store your opt-out preference in a cookie on your device.Removed
384Similarly, in scenarios where we obtain your consent to place cookies on your device, we store your choice in a cookie.Removed
386We use cookies to authenticate you.310We use cookies to verify your identity and keep you signed in securely.
387When you sign in to a website using your personal Microsoft account, we store a unique ID number, and the time you signed in, in an encrypted cookie on your device.311When you sign in with a Microsoft account, we store a unique ID number and the time you signed in in an encrypted cookie on your device, so you don’t have to repeatedly sign in.
388This cookie allows you to move from page to page within the site without having to sign in again on each page.Removed
389You can also save your sign-in information so you do not have to sign in each time you return to the site.Removed
391We use cookies to process information that helps us secure our products, as well as detect fraud and abuse.313We use cookies to protect our products and detect fraud and abuse.
392Storing information you provide to a website .314Storing information .
393We use cookies to remember information you shared.315We use cookies to remember information you provide, such as items in your shopping cart.
394When you provide information to Microsoft, such as when you add products to a shopping cart on Microsoft websites, we store the data in a cookie for the purpose of remembering the information.Removed
396Some of our websites include social media cookies, including those that enable users who are signed in to the social media service to share content via that service.317Some of our websites include social media cookies, which may let you share content with social media services if you’re signed in with them.
398Microsoft uses cookies to enable you to provide feedback on a website.319We use cookies so you can give feedback on our websites.
399Interest-based advertising .320Personalized advertising .
400Microsoft uses cookies to collect data about your online activity and identify your interests so that we can provide advertising that is most relevant to you.321We use cookies to personalize ads based on your activity.
401You can opt out of receiving interest-based advertising from Microsoft as described in the How to access and control your personal data section of this privacy statement.322You can opt out as described in the How to access and control your personal data section of this privacy statement.
402Showing advertising .323We also use web beacons and similar technologies to understand which Microsoft ads displayed on third-party websites and digital platforms drive visitors to our sites and apps.
403Microsoft uses cookies to record how many visitors have clicked on an advertisement and to record which advertisements you have seen, for example, so you do not see the same one repeatedly.324These tools also help us deliver ads on external sites and platforms.
325See below for more information about web beacons and analytics services.
326Ad delivery and reporting .
327We use cookies to record ad views and clicks, such as which ads you have seen.
328This helps us, for example, avoid showing the same ad repeatedly.
405We use first- and third-party cookies and other identifiers to gather usage and performance data.330We use cookies to gather usage and performance data, such as visitor counts and other statistics about our websites and products.
406For example, we use cookies to count the number of unique visitors to a web page or service and to develop other statistics about the operations of our products.Removed
408Microsoft uses cookies to understand and improve how our products perform.332We use cookies to help us understand and improve how our products and websites work, like gathering data to help with load balancing and uptime.
409For example, we use cookies to gather data that helps with load balancing; this helps us keep our websites remain up and running.333Where required, we obtain your consent prior to placing or using optional cookies.
410Where required, we obtain your consent prior to placing or using optional cookies that are not (i) strictly necessary to provide the website; or (ii) for the purpose of facilitating a communication.334Please see the How to control cookies section below for more information.
411Please see the “How to Control Cookies” section below for more information.335Some of the cookies we commonly use and some of the purposes they may be used for are listed below.
412Some of the cookies we commonly use are listed below.Removed
416MUID, MC1, MSFPC, and MSPTC .339MUID, MC1, MSFPC, and ai_user .
420ANON .343ESTSAUTH, ESTSAUTHLIGHT, ESTSAUTHPERSISTENT .
421Contains the ANID, a unique identifier derived from your Microsoft account, which is used for advertising, personalization, and operational purposes.Removed
422It is also used to preserve your choice to opt out of interest-based advertising from Microsoft if you have chosen to associate the opt-out with your Microsoft account.Removed
423CC .Removed
424Contains a country code as determined from your IP address.Removed
425PPAuth, MSPAuth, MSNRPSAuth, KievRPSAuth, WLSSC, MSPProf .Removed
427MC0 .Removed
428Detects whether cookies are enabled in the browser.Removed
433MH .Removed
434Appears on co-branded sites where Microsoft is partnering with an advertiser.Removed
435This cookie identifies the advertiser, so the right ad is selected. childinfo, kcdob, kcrelid, kcru, pcfm .Removed
436Contains information that Microsoft account uses within its pages in relation to child accounts.Removed
438This cookie is used by Microsoft to reset or refresh the MUID cookie. x-ms-gateway-slice .350Resets or refreshes the MUID cookie. x-ms-gateway-slice, ARRAffinity, ARRAffinitySameSite, ASLBSA, and ASLBSACORS .
441Records your decision not to receive interest-based advertising delivered by Microsoft.353Records your decision not to receive personalized advertising delivered by Microsoft.
442Where required, we place this cookie by default and remove it when you consent to interest-based advertising.354Where required, we place this cookie by default and remove it when you consent to personalized advertising.
444These session cookies are used for load balancing purposes and to ensure requests for a user session are handled by the same server.356Used for load balancing purposes and to ensure requests for a user session are handled by the same server. esctx, _RequestVerificationToken, .AspNetCore.Correlation, and .AspNetCore.Nonce .
357Assist with the security of your website visit and stability of the services provided to you by helping prevent fraud and malicious attacks.
446Third Party Cookies In addition to the cookies Microsoft sets when you visit our websites, we also use cookies from third parties to enhance the services on our sites.359Third-Party Cookies In addition to the cookies Microsoft sets when you visit our websites, we also use cookies from third parties to enhance the services on our sites.
448For example: Companies we hire to provide services on our behalf, such as site analytics, place cookies when you visit our sites.361For example, when we hire companies to perform services on our behalf, like site analytics, and when companies deliver content on our sites, like videos, news, or ads.
449Companies that deliver content on Microsoft sites, such as videos or news, or ads, place cookies on their own.362These companies use the data they process in accordance with their privacy policies, which may enable them to collect and combine information about your activities across websites, apps, or online services.
450These companies use the data they process in accordance with their privacy policies, which may enable these companies to collect and combine information about your activities across websites, apps, or online services.363The following types of third-party cookies may be used, depending on the context, service or product, as well as your settings and permissions: Social media cookies.
451The following types of third-party cookies may be used, depending on the context, service or product, as well as your settings and permissions: Social Media cookies.364These cookies help us and third parties show you ads and content tailored to your interests, based on your social media profiles and activity on our websites.
452We and third parties use social media cookies to show you ads and content based on your social media profiles and activity on our websites.Removed
453They’re used to connect your activity on our websites to your social media profiles so the ads and content you see on our websites and on social media will better reflect your interests.Removed
455We allow third parties to use analytics cookies to understand how you use our websites so we can make them better and the third parties can develop and improve their products, which they may use on websites that are not owned or operated by Microsoft.366Analytics cookies from third parties collect information on how you use our websites to help us improve them and allow third parties to develop and improve their own products.
456For example, analytics cookies are used to gather information about the pages you visit and how many clicks you need to accomplish a task.367They may also be used for advertising purposes.
457These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes.Removed
459We and third parties use advertising cookies to show you new ads by recording which ads you've already seen.369Advertising cookies record which ads you’ve seen, which ads you’ve clicked, or the purchases you’ve made after clicking.
460They're also used to track which ads you click on or purchases you make after clicking on an ad for payment purposes, and to show you ads that are more relevant to you.370They show you ads relevant to you, like ads based on your social media interests and website browsing history.
461For example, they're used to detect when you click on an ad and show you ads based on your social media interests and website browsing history.Removed
463We use required cookies to perform essential website functions.372Required cookies enable core website functions, such as login, preferences, shopping carts, performance, and security.
464For example, to log you in, save your language preferences, provide a shopping cart experience, improve performance, route traffic between web servers, detect the size of your screen, determine page load times, and measure audiences.373For a list of the third parties that set cookies on our websites, please visit our third party cookie inventory .
465These cookies are necessary for our websites to work.374On some of our websites, a list of third parties is available directly on the site and may not be included in our third party cookie inventory .
466Where required, we obtain your consent prior to placing or using optional cookies that are not (i) strictly necessary to provide the website; or (ii) for the purpose of facilitating a communication.Removed
467For a list of the third parties that set cookies on our websites, including service providers acting on our behalf, please visit our third party cookie inventory .Removed
468The third party cookie inventory also includes links to those third parties’ websites or privacy notices.Removed
470On some of our websites, a list of third parties is available directly on the site.Removed
471The third parties on these sites may not be included in the list on our third party cookie inventory .Removed
474For more information about how to delete your cookies in Microsoft browsers, see Microsoft Edge , Microsoft Edge Legacy , or Internet Explorer .378For more information about how to view, block, or delete your cookies in Microsoft Edge, please see our Manage cookies in Microsoft Edge page.
476As mentioned above, where required, we obtain your consent before placing or using optional cookies that are not (i) strictly necessary to provide the website; or (ii) for the purpose of facilitating a communication.380If you choose to block cookies, you cannot sign in or use some of those features, and preferences that are dependent on cookies will be lost.
477We separate these optional cookies by purpose, such as for advertising and social media purposes.381If you delete your cookies, any settings and preferences controlled by those cookies, including advertising preferences, are deleted and will need to be recreated.
478You may consent to certain categories of optional cookies and not others.382Where required, we obtain your consent before placing or using optional cookies that are not (i) strictly necessary to provide the website; or (ii) for the purpose of facilitating a communication.
479You also may adjust your choices by clicking “Manage cookies” in the footer of the website or through the settings made available on the website.383We separate these optional cookies by purpose, including advertising, analytics, and social media purposes.
384Where consent is required, you can adjust your choices by clicking “Manage cookies” in the footer of the website or through the settings made available on the website.
481If you choose to block cookies, you cannot sign in or use some of those features, and preferences that are dependent on cookies will be lost.Removed
482If you choose to delete cookies, any settings and preferences controlled by those cookies, including advertising preferences, are deleted and will need to be recreated.Removed
484Our use of web beacons and analytics services Some Microsoft webpages contain electronic tags known as web beacons that we use to help deliver cookies on our websites, count users who have visited those websites, and deliver co-branded products.387Web beacons and analytics services Some Microsoft webpages use electronic tags called web beacons to deliver cookies, count visitors, and deliver products.
485We also include web beacons or similar technologies in our electronic communications to determine whether you open and act on them.388We also use web beacons or similar technologies in our communications to determine whether you open and act on them.
486In addition to placing web beacons on our own websites, we sometimes work with other companies to place our web beacons on their websites or in their advertisements.389We sometimes place our web beacons on other companies’ websites or ads to help us understand how interactions with Microsoft advertisements lead to actions, such as purchases, or to learn about your activity on partner sites in connection with Microsoft products or services.
487This helps us to, for example, develop statistics on how often clicking on an advertisement on a Microsoft website results in a purchase or other action on the advertiser's website.390Microsoft products often include web beacons or similar technologies from third-party analytics providers.
488It also allows us to understand your activity on the website of a Microsoft partner in connection with your use of a Microsoft product or service.391These providers help us compile statistics about our campaigns and operations.
489Finally, Microsoft products often contain web beacons or similar technologies from third-party analytics providers, which help us compile aggregated statistics about the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns or other operations.392They may set or read their own cookies or identifiers on your device to collect information about your online activities across websites and apps.
490These technologies enable the analytics providers to set or read their own cookies or other identifiers on your device, through which they can collect information about your online activities across applications, websites, or other products.393However, we prohibit these providers from using web beacons on our sites to collect or access information that directly identifies you, such as your name or email address.
491However, we prohibit these analytics providers from using web beacons on our sites to collect or access information that directly identifies you (such as your name or email address).Removed
493Other similar technologies In addition to standard cookies and web beacons, our products can also use other similar technologies to store and read data files on your computer.395Other similar technologies Our products can also use other similar technologies to store and read data files on your computer.
495But, like standard cookies, these technologies can also store a unique identifier for your computer, which can then track behavior.397These technologies can also store a unique identifier for your computer, which can then track behavior.
496These technologies include Local Shared Objects (or "Flash cookies") and Silverlight Application Storage.398View Summary Learn more Back to top Microsoft account A Microsoft account lets you sign in to Microsoft products and certain Microsoft partner products.
497Local Shared Objects or "Flash cookies." Websites that use Adobe Flash technologies can use Local Shared Objects or "Flash cookies" to store data on your computer.399Personal data associated with your Microsoft account includes credentials, contact and payment data, device and usage data and activity-related information.
498To learn how to manage or block Flash cookies, go to the Flash Player help page .400Signing in to your Microsoft account enables personalization and consistent experiences across products and devices, and enables cloud storage use, payments with stored payment methods, and other features.
499Silverlight Application Storage .401If you sign into a service offered by a third party with your Microsoft account, Microsoft shares account data with that third party according to the third party’s privacy policy.
500Websites or applications that use Microsoft Silverlight technology also have the ability to store data by using Silverlight Application Storage.402A Microsoft account is a personal account that lets you sign into Microsoft products and those of select partners.
501To learn how to manage or block such storage, see the Silverlight section of this privacy statement.403This account includes personal data such as your credentials, name and contact data, payment data, device and usage data, contacts, information about your activities, and interests and favorites.
502View Summary Learn more Back to top Products provided by your organization—notice to end users If you use a Microsoft product with an account provided by an organization you are affiliated with, such as your work or school account, that organization can: Control and administer your Microsoft product and product account, including controlling privacy-related settings of the product or product account.404Signing into your Microsoft account helps personalize your experience, provides consistent experiences across products and devices, enables cloud storage, lets you make payments with stored payment methods, and enables other features.
503Access and process your data, including the interaction data, diagnostic data, and the contents of your communications and files associated with your Microsoft product and product accounts.405A work or school account , also known as a Microsoft Entra ID account, is an account that is provided and managed by your organization, such as your employer or school.
504If you lose access to your work or school account (in event of change of employment, for example), you may lose access to products and the content associated with those products, including those you acquired on your own behalf, if you used your work or school account to sign in to such products.406You can use it to sign in to Microsoft products and third-party products that your organization provides.
505Many Microsoft products are intended for use by organizations, such as schools and businesses.407If you sign into Microsoft products with a work or school account, please note: Your organization controls your account and can access and process your data, including your communications, files, and content in products you use with your account.
506Please see the Enterprise and developer products section of this privacy statement.408Your use of these products is subject to your organization’s policies.
507If your organization provides you with access to Microsoft products, your use of the Microsoft products is subject to your organization's policies, if any.409Review your organization’s privacy and security policies before using your work or school account for personal use.
508You should direct your privacy inquiries, including any requests to exercise your data protection rights, to your organization’s administrator.410If you lose access to your work or school account (for example, if you change employers), you may also lose access to products or content purchased or accessed with that account.
509When you use social features in Microsoft products, other users in your network may see some of your activity.411If you use a work or school email address to create a Microsoft account, your organization may access your data associated with your Microsoft account.
510To learn more about the social features and other functionality, please review documentation or help content specific to the Microsoft product.412Microsoft is not responsible for your organization’s privacy or security practices, which may differ from our own standards.
511Microsoft is not responsible for the privacy or security practices of our customers, which may differ from those set forth in this privacy statement.413Direct any privacy questions or requests (such as to access, correct, or delete your data) to your administrator.
512When you use a Microsoft product provided by your organization, Microsoft’s processing of your personal data in connection with that product is governed by a contract between Microsoft and your organization.414See the Products provided by your organization – Notice to end users section for more information about your rights.
513Microsoft processes your personal data to provide the product to your organization and you, and in some cases for Microsoft’s business operations related to providing the product as described in the Enterprise and developer products section.415Contact your organization if you’re unsure if your account is a work or school account.
514As mentioned above, if you have questions about Microsoft’s processing of your personal data in connection with providing products to your organization, please contact your organization.416A third-party account is a Microsoft account that you or your service provider (such as a cable or internet service provider) create that is tied to your email address with your service provider’s domain.
515If you have questions about Microsoft’s business operations in connection with providing products to your organization as provided in the Product Terms, please contact Microsoft as described in the How to contact us section.417Your service provider has control over your account, including the ability to access or delete your account.
516For more information on our business operations, please see the Enterprise and developer products section.418You should carefully review the terms the third party provided to you to help you understand what the service provider can do with your account and data.
517For Microsoft products provided by your K-12 school, including Microsoft 365 Education, Microsoft will: not collect or use student personal data beyond that needed for authorized educational or school purposes; not sell or rent student personal data; not use or share student personal data for advertising or similar commercial purposes, such as behavioral targeting of advertisements to students; not build a personal profile of a student, other than for supporting authorized educational or school purposes or as authorized by the parent, guardian, or student of appropriate age; and require that our vendors with whom student personal data is shared to deliver the educational service, if any, are obligated to implement these same commitments for student personal data.419Your Microsoft account.
518Back to top Microsoft account With a Microsoft account, you can sign in to Microsoft products, as well as those of select Microsoft partners.420The data associated with your Microsoft account, and how that data is used, depends on how you use the account.
519Personal data associated with your Microsoft account includes credentials, name and contact data, payment data, device and usage data, your contacts, information about your activities, and your interests and favorites.Removed
520Signing in to your Microsoft account enables personalization and consistent experiences across products and devices, permits you to use cloud data storage, allows you to make payments using payment instruments stored in your Microsoft account, and enables other features.Removed
521There are three types of Microsoft account: When you create your own Microsoft account tied to your personal email address, we refer to that account as a personal Microsoft account .Removed
522When you or your organization (such as an employer or your school) create your Microsoft account tied to your email address provided by that organization, we refer to that account as a work or school account .Removed
523When you or your service provider (such as a cable or internet service provider) create your Microsoft account tied to your email address with your service provider’s domain, we refer to that account as a third-party account .Removed
524If you sign into a service offered by a third party with your Microsoft account, you will share with that third party the account data required by that service.Removed
525With a Microsoft account, you can sign into Microsoft products, as well as those of select Microsoft partners.Removed
526Personal data associated with your Microsoft account includes credentials, name and contact data, payment data, device and usage data, your contacts, information about your activities, and your interests and favorites.Removed
527Signing into your Microsoft account enables personalization, consistent experiences across products and devices, permits you to use cloud data storage, allows you to make payments using payment instruments stored in your Microsoft account, and enables other features.Removed
528There are three types of Microsoft account: When you create your own Microsoft account tied to your personal email address, we refer to that account as a personal Microsoft account .Removed
529When you or your organization (such as an employer or your school) create your Microsoft account tied to your email address provided by that organization, we refer to that account as a work or school account .Removed
530When you or your service provider (such as a cable or internet service provider) create your Microsoft account tied to your email address with your service provider’s domain, we refer to that account as a third-party account .Removed
531Personal Microsoft accounts .Removed
532The data associated with your personal Microsoft account, and how that data is used, depends on how you use the account.Removed
534When you create a personal Microsoft account, you will be asked to provide certain personal data and we will assign a unique ID number to identify your account and associated information.422When you create a Microsoft account, you'll be asked to provide certain personal data and we'll assign you a unique ID.
535While some products, such as those involving payment, require a real name, you can sign in to and use other Microsoft products without providing your real name.423For some products, like those involving payments, a real name is required, but many products can be used without it.
536Some data you provide, such as your display name, email address, and phone number, can be used to help others find and connect with you within Microsoft products.424Data such as your display name, email address, and phone number can help others find you on Microsoft products (for example, on Microsoft Teams for personal use).
537For example, people who know your display name, email address, or phone number can use it to search for you on Microsoft Teams for personal use and send you an invite to connect with them.425In some cases, you may need to switch to a personal email address to continue accessing consumer-oriented products like the Xbox network.
538Note that if you use a work or school email address to create a personal Microsoft account, your employer or school may gain access to your data.426Signing in to your Microsoft account .
539In some cases, you will need to change the email address to a personal email address in order to continue accessing consumer-oriented products (such as the Xbox network).427When you sign in to your Microsoft account, we log details like the date and time, product accessed, sign-in name, account and device identifiers, IP address, and operating system and browser information.
540Signing in to Microsoft account .Removed
541When you sign in to your Microsoft account, we create a record of your sign-in, which includes the date and time, information about the product you signed in to, your sign-in name, the unique number assigned to your account, a unique identifier assigned to your device, your IP address, and your operating system and browser version.Removed
543Signing in to your account enables improved personalization, provides seamless and consistent experiences across products and devices, permits you to access and use cloud data storage, allows you to make payments using payment instruments stored in your Microsoft account, and enables other enhanced features and settings.429Signing in to Microsoft products enables improved personalization, provides consistent experiences across products, permits cloud storage access, and lets you make payments using information stored in your account, along with other settings and features.
544For example, when you sign in, Microsoft makes information saved to your account available across Microsoft products so important things are right where you need them.430Information saved to your account may be available across Microsoft products.
545When you sign in to your account, you will stay signed in until you sign out.431If you add your account to a Windows device (version 8 or higher), Windows will automatically sign you in to Microsoft products on that device.
546If you add your Microsoft account to a Windows device (version 8 or higher), Windows will automatically sign you in to products that use Microsoft account when you access those products on that device.432When signed in, some products will show your name or username and profile photo (if you have one) in Microsoft products, communications, and public posts.
547When you are signed in, some products will display your name or username and your profile photo (if you have added one to your profile) as part of your use of Microsoft products, including in your communications, social interactions, and public posts.Removed
550If you sign in to a third-party product with your Microsoft account, you will share data with the third party in accordance with the third party’s privacy policy.435If you sign in to a third-party product or make payments to third-party merchants using your Microsoft account, Microsoft shares data with the third party as needed, including your account version number and whether your account has been deactivated.
551The third party will also receive the version number assigned to your account (a new version number is assigned each time you change your sign-in data); and information that describes whether your account has been deactivated.436Third parties may use or share your data per their own privacy policies.
552If you share your profile data, the third party can display your name or user name and your profile photo (if you have added one to your profile) when you are signed in to that third-party product.437You should carefully review the privacy policies for each product or merchant you use to understand how your data will be handled.
553If you chose to make payments to third-party merchants using your Microsoft account, Microsoft will pass information stored in your Microsoft account to the third party or its vendors (e.g., payment processors) as necessary to process your payment and fulfill your order (such as name, credit card number, billing and shipping addresses, and relevant contact information).438View Summary Learn more Back to top Collection of data from children Microsoft offers many products and services that children and teens can use, though child and teen users will not always have access to all the features and services that adult users do.
554The third party can use or share the data it receives when you sign in or make a purchase according to its own practices and policies.439Some of these features will be off by default or unavailable to younger users.
555You should carefully review the privacy statement for each product you sign in to and each merchant you purchase from to determine how it will use the data it collects .440When a child is under 13-or a higher age if required in their region-the child will need consent from their parent or guardian to create a Microsoft account.
556Work or school accounts .441Parents can change or revoke consent at any time.
557The data associated with a work or school account, and how it will be used, is generally similar to the use and collection of data associated with a personal Microsoft account.442Microsoft offers Family Safety tools that allow parents to connect their children’s accounts to a family group.
558If your employer or school uses Microsoft Entra ID to manage the account it provides you, you can use your work or school account to sign in to Microsoft products, such as Microsoft 365 and Office 365, and third-party products provided to you by your organization.443Microsoft accounts created using parental consent are automatically added to the parent’s family group.
559If required by your organization, you will also be asked to provide a phone number or an alternative email address for additional security verification.Removed
560And, if allowed by your organization, you may also use your work or school account to sign in to Microsoft or third-party products that you acquire for yourself.Removed
561If you sign in to Microsoft products with a work or school account, note: The owner of the domain associated with your email address may control and administer your account, and access and process your data, including the contents of your communications and files, including data stored in products provided to you by your organization, and products you acquire by yourself.Removed
562Your use of the products is subject to your organization’s policies, if any.Removed
563You should consider both your organization’s policies and whether you are comfortable enabling your organization to access your data before you choose to use your work or school account to sign in to products you acquire for yourself.Removed
564If you lose access to your work or school account (if you change employers, for example), you may lose access to products, including content associated with those products, you acquired on your own behalf if you used your work or school account to sign in to such products.Removed
565Microsoft is not responsible for the privacy or security practices of your organization, which may differ from those of Microsoft.Removed
566If your organization is administering your use of Microsoft products, please direct your privacy inquiries, including any requests to exercise your data subject rights, to your administrator.Removed
567See also the Notice to end users section of this privacy statement.Removed
568If you are uncertain whether your account is a work or school account, please contact your organization.Removed
569Third-party accounts .Removed
570The data associated with a third-party Microsoft account, and how it will be used, is generally similar to the use and collection of data associated with a personal Microsoft account.Removed
571Your service provider has control over your account, including the ability to access or delete your account.Removed
572You should carefully review the terms the third party provided you to understand what it can do with your account .Removed
573View Summary Learn more Back to top Collection of data from children For users under the age of 13 or as specified by law in their jurisdiction, certain Microsoft products and services will either block users under that age or will ask them to obtain consent or authorization from a parent or guardian before they can use it, including when creating an account to access Microsoft services.Removed
574We will not knowingly ask children under that age to provide more data than is required to provide for the product.Removed
575Once parental consent or authorization is granted, the child's account is treated much like any other account.Removed
576Learn more about personal and school accounts in the Microsoft account section of the Privacy Statement and Microsoft Family Safety in the product-specific section.Removed
577The child can access communication services, like Outlook and Teams, and can freely communicate and share data with other users of all ages.Removed
578Parents or guardians can change or revoke the consent choices previously made.Removed
579Learn more about parental consent and Microsoft child accounts .Removed
581Accounts that require parental consent to be created are automatically included as part of the family group of the individual who provided the consent for account creation.445Parents of Xbox users have additional controls through the Xbox Family Settings app.
582For child accounts that do not require parental consent to be created, (e.g., for children who are over the age at which parental consent is legally required), the parent or guardian may still use a family group, but must add the child account to their family group after the account is created.446For users under the age of 13 or as specified by law in their jurisdiction, certain Microsoft products and services will either block users under that age or require parental or guardian consent or authorization before use, including when creating an account.
583Select Learn more below for more information about how to access and delete child data and information about children and Xbox profiles.447When we receive parental consent or authorization, the child's account is treated much like any other account, and the child will be able to use Microsoft services such as Outlook, Bing, Copilot, and Xbox, and communicate or share data with other users.
584For users under the age of 13 or as specified by law in their jurisdiction, certain Microsoft products and services will either block users under that age or will ask them to obtain consent or authorization from a parent or guardian before they can use it, including when creating an account to access Microsoft services.448We will not knowingly ask children under the age of consent to provide more data than is necessary to provide the product.
585We will not knowingly ask children under that age to provide more data than is required to provide for the product.449As mentioned in the Advertising section, we do not deliver personalized advertising to children whose birthdate in their Microsoft account identifies them as under 18 years of age.
586Once parental consent or authorization is granted, the child's account is treated much like any other account.450For more details, see the Microsoft account section of this privacy statement and Learn more about parental consent and Microsoft child accounts .
587The child can access communication services, like Outlook and Teams, and can freely communicate and share data with other users of all ages.451Parents or guardians (“parents”) can change or revoke consent at any time.
588Learn more about parental consent and Microsoft child accounts .452As the organizer of a Microsoft family group, parents can manage their child’s information and settings on the Family Safety page and view or delete a child’s data on the privacy dashboard .
589Parents or guardians can change or revoke the consent choices previously made.453Accounts created with parental consent are automatically added to consenting adult’s family group.
590As the organizer of a Microsoft family group, the parent or guardian can manage their child’s information and settings on their Family Safety page and view and delete a child’s data on their privacy dashboard .454For child accounts that don’t need parental consent to be created, parents can add the child account to their family group after account creation.
591Accounts that require parental consent to be created are automatically included as part of the family group of the individual who provided the consent for account creation.455See the Microsoft Family Safety section for more information.
592For child accounts that do not require parental consent to be created (e.g., for children who are over the age at which parental consent is legally required), the parent or guardian may still use a family group, but must add the child account to their family group after the account is created.Removed
593See below for more information about how to access and delete child data.Removed
594Below is additional information about the collection of data from children, including more details as related to Xbox.Removed
596For Microsoft products and services that require parental consent, a parent can view and delete certain data belonging to their child from the parent’s privacy dashboard : browsing history, search history, location activity, media activity, apps and service activity, and product and service performance data.457For Microsoft products and services that require parental consent, parents can view and delete certain data about their child, such as browsing history, search history, location activity, and app usage by signing into the parent’s privacy dashboard .
597To delete this data, a parent can sign in to their privacy dashboard and manage their child’s activities.458Some Microsoft products, including Xbox, also have their own in-product controls.
598Please note that a parent’s ability to access and/or delete a child’s personal information on their privacy dashboard will vary depending on the laws where you are located.459Please note that a parent’s ability to access and/or delete their child’s personal information may vary depending on the laws where they’re located.
599Additionally, a parent can contact our privacy support team through the privacy support form and, following authentication, request that the data types on the privacy dashboard together with the following data be deleted: software, setup, and inventory; device connectivity and configuration; feedback and ratings; fitness and activity; support content; support interactions; and environmental sensor.460For more details on controlling data within Microsoft products, visit our Privacy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .
461If your child’s account is not part of your Microsoft Family group and you do not have access to their activity on your privacy dashboard, submit a request related to your child’s data through the privacy support form .
462The privacy team will ask for account verification before fulfilling the request.
601Please note that content like emails, contacts, and chats are accessible through in-product experiences.464To delete all your child’s personal information, request deletion of the child’s account using the close your account form .
602You can find more information about data you are able to control within Microsoft products by visiting our Privacy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .465Sign in to your child’s account, ensure the correct account is shown, and follow the instructions.
603If your child’s account is not a part of your Microsoft family group and you do not have access to your child’s activity on your privacy dashboard, then you need to submit a request related to your child’s data through the privacy support form .466See Learn more about how to close a Microsoft account .
604The privacy team will ask for account verification before fulfilling the request.467After requesting account closure, the account is marked for deletion, but we will wait 60 days before permanently deleting the account in case you change your mind or need to access information.
605To delete all of your child’s personal information, you must request deletion of the child’s account through the close your account form .468After 60 days, the account will be permanently deleted.
606This link will prompt you to sign in with your child’s account credentials.469For more information on Xbox features, in-product controls, and the associated personal data collection, use, and disclosure, please see the Xbox section of this privacy statement.
607Check that the page shows the correct Microsoft account, and then follow the instructions to request that your child’s account be deleted.470View Summary Learn more Back to top Storage and processing of personal data Microsoft may store and process your personal data in your region, the United States, and any other jurisdiction where Microsoft or its affiliates, subsidiaries, or service providers operate facilities.
608Learn more about how to close a Microsoft account .471When we transfer personal data internationally, we implement appropriate legal safeguards – to help protect your rights and ensure your data remains protected.
609After you submit the request to close your child’s account, we will wait 60 days before permanently deleting the account in case you change your mind or need to access something on the account before it is permanently closed and deleted.472Personal data collected by Microsoft may be stored and processed in your region, in the United States, and in any other jurisdiction where Microsoft or its affiliates, subsidiaries, or service providers operate facilities.
610During the waiting period, the account is marked for closure and permanent deletion, but it still exists.Removed
611If you want to reopen your child’s Microsoft account, just sign in again within that 60-day period.Removed
612We will cancel the account closure, and the account will be reinstated.Removed
613What is Xbox?Removed
614Xbox is the gaming and entertainment division of Microsoft.Removed
615Xbox hosts an online network that consists of software and enables online experiences crossing multiple platforms.Removed
616This network lets your child find and play games, view content, and connect with friends on Xbox and other gaming and social networks.Removed
617When users sign in to Xbox, in apps, games or on an Xbox console, we assign a unique identifier to their device.Removed
618For instance, when their Xbox console is connected to the internet and they sign in to the console, we identify which console and which version of the console’s operating system they are using.Removed
619Xbox continues to provide new experiences in client apps that are connected to and backed by services such as Xbox network and cloud gaming.Removed
620When signed in to an Xbox experience, we collect required data to help keep these experiences safe, secure, up to date, and performing as expected.Removed
621Data we collect when you create an Xbox profile .Removed
622You as the parent or guardian are required to consent to the collection of personal data from a child under 13 years old or as otherwise specified by your jurisdiction.Removed
623With your permission, your child can have an Xbox profile and use the online Xbox network.Removed
624During the child Xbox profile creation, you will sign in with your own Microsoft account to verify that you are an adult organizer in your Microsoft family group.Removed
625We collect an alternate email address or phone number to boost account security.Removed
626If your child needs help accessing their account, they will be able to use one of these alternates to validate they own the Microsoft account.Removed
627We collect limited information about children, including name, birthdate, email address, and region.Removed
628When you sign your child up for an Xbox profile, they get a gamertag (a public nickname) and a unique identifier.Removed
629When you create your child’s Xbox profile you consent to Microsoft collecting, using, and sharing information based on their privacy and communication settings on the Xbox online network.Removed
630Your child’s privacy and communication settings are defaulted to the most restrictive.Removed
631Data we collect .Removed
632We collect information about your child’s use of Xbox services, games, apps, and devices including: When they sign in and sign out of Xbox, purchase history, and content they obtain.Removed
633Which games they play and apps they use, their game progress, achievements, play time per game, and other play statistics.Removed
634Performance data about Xbox consoles, Xbox Game Pass and other Xbox apps, the Xbox network, connected accessories, and network connection, including any software or hardware errors.Removed
635Content they add, upload, or share through the Xbox network, including text, pictures, and video they capture in games and apps.Removed
636Social activity, including chat data and interactions with other gamers, and connections they make (friends they add and people who follow them) on the Xbox network.Removed
637If your child uses an Xbox console or Xbox app on another device capable of accessing the Xbox network, and that device includes a storage device (hard drive or memory unit), usage data will be stored on the storage device and sent to Microsoft the next time they sign in to Xbox, even if they have been playing offline.Removed
638Xbox diagnostic data .Removed
639If your child uses Xbox console, Xbox will send required data to Microsoft.Removed
640Required data is the minimum data necessary to help keep Xbox safe, secure, up to date, and performing as expected.Removed
641Game captures .Removed
642Any player in a multiplayer game session can record video (game clips) and capture screenshots of their view of the game play.Removed
643Other players’ game clips and screenshots can capture your child’s in-game character and gamertag during that session.Removed
644If a player captures game clips and screenshots on a PC, the resulting game clips might also capture audio chat if your child’s privacy and communication settings on the Xbox online network allow it.Removed
645Captioning .Removed
646During Xbox real-time (“party”) chat, players may activate a voice-to-text feature that lets them view that chat as text.Removed
647If a player activates this feature, Microsoft uses the resulting text data to provide captioning of chat for players who need it.Removed
648This data may also be used to provide a safe gaming environment and enforce the Community Standards for Xbox .Removed
649Data use .Removed
650Microsoft uses the data we collect when your child uses Xbox to improve gaming products and experiences— making it safer and more fun over time.Removed
651Data we collect also enables us to provide your child with curated experiences.Removed
652This includes connecting them to games, content, services, and recommendations.Removed
653Xbox data viewable by others .Removed
654When your child is using the Xbox network, their online presence (which can be set to “appear offline” or “blocked”), gamertag, game play statistics, and achievements are visible to other players on the network.Removed
655Depending on how you set your child’s Xbox safety settings, they might share information when playing or communicating with others on the Xbox network.Removed
656Safety .Removed
657In order to help make the Xbox network a safe gaming environment and enforce the Community Standards for Xbox, we may collect and review voice, text, images, videos and in-game content (such as game clips your child uploads, conversations they have, and things they post in clubs and games).Removed
658Anti-cheat and fraud prevention .Removed
659Providing a fair gameplay environment is important to us.Removed
660We prohibit cheating, hacking, account stealing, and any other unauthorized or fraudulent activity when your child uses an Xbox online game or any network-connected app on their Xbox console, PC, or mobile device.Removed
661In order to detect and prevent fraud and cheating, we may use anti-cheat and fraud prevention tools, applications, and other technologies.Removed
662Such technologies may create digital signatures (known as “hashes”) using certain information collected from their Xbox console, PC, or mobile device, and how they use that device.Removed
663This can include information about the browser, device, activities, game identifiers, and operating system.Removed
664Xbox data shared with game and apps publishers .Removed
665When your child uses an Xbox online game or any network-connected app on their Xbox console, PC, or mobile device, the publisher of that game or app has access to data about their usage to help the publisher deliver, support, and improve its product.Removed
666This data may include: your child’s Xbox user identifier, gamertag, limited account info such as country and age range, data about your child’s in-game communications, any Xbox enforcement activity, game-play sessions (for example, moves made in-game or types of vehicles used in-game), your child’s presence on the Xbox network, the time they spend playing the game or app, rankings, statistics, gamer profiles, avatars, or gamerpics, friends lists, activity feeds for official clubs they belong to, official club memberships, and any content they create or submit in the game or app.Removed
667Third-party publishers and developers of games and apps have their own distinct and independent relationship with users and their collection and usage of personal data is subject to their specific privacy policies.Removed
668You should carefully review their policies to determine how they use your child’s data.Removed
669For example, publishers may choose to disclose or display game data (such as on leaderboards) through their own services.Removed
670You may find their policies linked from the game or app detail pages in our stores.Removed
671Learn more at Data Sharing with Games and Apps .Removed
672To stop sharing game or app data with a publisher, remove its games or app from all devices where they have been installed.Removed
673Some publisher access to your child’s data may be revoked at microsoft.com/consent .Removed
674AI-enhanced features .Removed
675Children in certain jurisdictions may be able to access AI-enhanced features in Xbox like our Support Virtual Agents that allow users to enter a prompt via text or voice.Removed
676Our Support Virtual Agents are designed to assist users with support-related questions.Removed
677To provide a response, these AI-enhanced features use the prompt, publicly-available support articles, and other relevant data described in the Personal data we collect section or within the feature.Removed
678Xbox’s AI-enhanced features do not use children’s data for model training.Removed
679More information about Xbox Support Virtual Agent can be found here .Removed
680Managing child settings .Removed
681As the organizer of a Microsoft family group, you can manage a child’s information and settings on their Family Safety page, as well as their Xbox profile privacy settings from their Xbox Privacy & online safety page .Removed
682You can also use the Xbox Family Settings app to manage your child’s experience on the Xbox Network including: spending for Microsoft and Xbox stores, viewing your child’s Xbox activity, and setting age ratings and the amount of screen time.Removed
683Xbox-specific Family Safety settings will apply on Xbox console or via Xbox on PC or mobile device but may not be applied on other platforms.Removed
684Learn more about managing Xbox profiles at Xbox online safety and privacy settings .Removed
685Learn more about Microsoft family groups at Simplify your family’s life .Removed
686Legacy .Removed
687Xbox 360 .Removed
688This Xbox console collects limited required diagnostic data.Removed
689This data helps keep your child’s console functioning as expected.Removed
690Kinect .Removed
691The Kinect sensor is a combination of camera, microphone, and infrared sensor that can enable motions and voice to be used to control game play.Removed
692For example: If you choose, the camera can be used to sign in to the Xbox network automatically using facial recognition.Removed
693This data stays on the console, is not shared with anyone, and can be deleted at any time.Removed
694For game play, Kinect will map distances between the joints on your child’s body to create a stick figure representation to enable play.Removed
695The Kinect microphone can enable voice chat between players during play.Removed
696The microphone also enables voice commands for control of the console, game, or app, or to enter search terms.Removed
697The Kinect sensor can also be used for audio and video communications.Removed
698Learn more about Kinect at Xbox Kinect and Privacy .Removed
699View Summary Learn more Back to top Other important privacy information Below you will find additional privacy information, such as how we secure your data, where we process your data, and how long we retain your data.Removed
700You can find more information on Microsoft and our commitment to protecting your privacy at Microsoft Privacy .Removed
701Below you will find additional privacy information, such as how we secure your data, where we process your data, and how long we retain your data.Removed
702You can find more information on Microsoft and our commitment to protecting your privacy at Microsoft Privacy .Removed
703Security of personal data Microsoft is committed to protecting the security of your personal data.Removed
704We use a variety of security technologies and procedures to help protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.Removed
705For example, we store the personal data you provide on computer systems that have limited access and are in controlled facilities.Removed
706When we transmit highly confidential data (such as a credit card number or password) over the internet, we protect it through the use of encryption.Removed
707Microsoft complies with applicable data protection laws, including applicable security breach notification laws.Removed
708Back to top Where we store and process personal data Personal data collected by Microsoft may be stored and processed in your region, in the United States, and in any other jurisdiction where Microsoft or its affiliates, subsidiaries, or service providers operate facilities.Removed
710Typically, the primary storage location is in the customer’s region or in the United States, often with a backup to a data center in another region.474Typically, the primary storage location is in your region or in the United States, often with a backup to a data center in another region.
711The storage location(s) are chosen in order to operate and provide our services efficiently, improve performance, and create redundancies in order to protect the data in the event of an outage or other problem.475Storage location(s) are chosen in order to operate and provide our services efficiently, improve performance, and create redundancies in order to protect the data in the event of an outage or other problem.
712We take steps to process the data that we collect under this privacy statement according to this statement’s provisions and the requirements of applicable law.476We transfer personal data from the country of origin to other countries, including those that may not offer the same level of data protection as determined by the European Commission or your local data protection authority.
713We transfer personal data from their country of original collection to other countries, some of which have not yet been determined by the European Commission or other applicable data protection authority in your area to have an adequate level of data protection.477In such cases, we implement legal safeguards-such as standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission – to help protect your rights and ensure your data remains protected.
714For example, their laws may not guarantee you the same rights, or there may not be a privacy supervisory authority there that is capable of addressing your complaints.478The EU has also determined that certain non-EU countries have an “adequate” level of personal data protection, similar to EU law.
715When we transfer personal data to other countries, we use a variety of legal mechanisms and safeguards, including contracts such as the standard contractual clauses published by the European Commission under Commission Implementing Decision 2021/914, to help protect your rights and enable these protections to travel with your data.479For more information on the EU’s adequacy decisions and other methods of protecting personal data in countries where Microsoft processes data, please visit the European Commission website .
716To learn more about the European Commission’s decisions on the adequacy of the protection of personal data in the countries where Microsoft processes personal data, see this article on the European Commission website .Removed
722Microsoft Corporation remains liable under the DPF if our agent processes such personal information in a manner inconsistent with the DPF, unless Microsoft Corporation can prove that we are not responsible for the event giving rise to the damage.485Microsoft Corporation remains liable under the DPF if our agent processes such personal data in a manner inconsistent with the DPF, unless Microsoft Corporation can prove that we are not responsible for the event giving rise to the damage.
727For any complaints related to the DPF Frameworks that Microsoft cannot resolve directly, we have chosen to cooperate with the relevant EU Data Protection Authority, or a panel established by the European data protection authorities, for resolving disputes with EU individuals, the UK Information Commissioner (for UK individuals), and the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) for resolving disputes with Swiss individuals.490For any complaints related to the DPF Frameworks that Microsoft cannot resolve directly, we have chosen to cooperate with the relevant EU Data Protection Authority, or a panel established by the European data protection authorities, for resolving disputes with EU individuals, the UK Information Commissioner for resolving disputes with UK individuals, and the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) for resolving disputes with Swiss individuals.
731Individuals whose personal data is protected by Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information should refer to the article on the Japanese Personal Information Protection Commission’s website (only published in Japanese) for more information on the commission’s review of certain countries’ personal data protection systems.494Individuals whose personal data is protected by Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information should refer to the article on the Japanese Personal Information Protection Commission‘s website (only published in Japanese) for more information on the commission’s review of certain countries’ personal data protection systems.
733Back to top Our retention of personal data Microsoft retains personal data for as long as necessary to provide the products and services you use and to fulfill the transactions you request.496View Summary Learn more Back to top Advertising Advertising helps us provide, support, and improve some of our products.
734We also retain personal data for other legitimate purposes such as operating our business, meeting our contractual and legal obligations, improving and developing our products and services, protecting the safety and security of our systems and customers, and resolving disputes.497Ads may be shown based on your current interactions with us, as well as personalized using information about you over time.
735Because these needs can vary for different data types, the context of our interactions with you or your use of products, actual retention periods can vary significantly.498You can opt out of receiving personalized ads through our personalized ads and offers page and can opt out of sharing data with third parties for personalized ads by visiting our third-party ad settings page.
736See relevant product documentation for more information.Removed
737Criteria used to determine the retention periods include: The purposes for which we use the information.Removed
738For example, when you store a document in OneDrive, we maintain the data until you actively delete it.Removed
739The nature and sensitivity of the information.Removed
740For example, we maintain a shortened retention period for precise geolocation information.Removed
741Legal, contractual and other similar obligations we are subject to, including data retention laws, government orders to preserve data relevant to an investigation, or data retained for the purposes of litigation.Removed
742Conversely, we’ll remove unlawful content where required by law.Removed
743Back to top U.S. State Data Privacy If you are a U.S. resident, we process your personal data in accordance with applicable U.S. state data privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).Removed
744This section of our privacy statement contains information required by the CCPA and other U.S. state data privacy laws and supplements our privacy statement.Removed
745Please also see our U.S. State Data Privacy Laws Notice and our Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy for additional information about the data we collect, process, share and disclose, and your rights under applicable U.S. state data privacy laws.Removed
746Sale .Removed
747We do not sell your personal data.Removed
748So, we do not offer an opt-out to the sale of personal data.Removed
749Profiling .Removed
750We do not engage in “profiling” that utilizes your personal data for automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects.Removed
751So, we do not offer an opt-out for this type of profiling.Removed
752Share .Removed
753We may “share” your personal data, as defined under California and other applicable U.S. state laws, for personalized advertising purposes.Removed
754As noted in our Advertising section, we do not deliver personalized advertising to children whose birthdate in their Microsoft account identifies them as under 18 years of age.Removed
755In the bulleted list below, we outline the categories of data we share for personalized advertising purposes, the recipients of the personal data, and our purposes of processing.Removed
756For a description of the data included in each category, please see the Personal data we collect section.Removed
757As referenced in the Reasons we share personal data section, we may also share this data among Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries.Removed
758Categories of Personal Data Name and contact data Recipients: Third parties that perform online advertising services for Microsoft or that use Microsoft’s advertising technologies Purposes of Processing: To deliver personalized advertising based on your interests Demographic data Recipients: Third parties that perform online advertising services for Microsoft or that use Microsoft’s advertising technologies Purposes of Processing: To deliver personalized advertising based on your interests Subscription and licensing data Recipients: Third parties that perform online advertising services for Microsoft or that use Microsoft’s advertising technologies Purposes of Processing: To deliver personalized advertising based on your interests Interactions Recipients: Third parties that perform online advertising services for Microsoft or that use Microsoft’s advertising technologies Purposes of Processing: To deliver personalized advertising based on your interests Please see the Advertising section for more information about our advertising practices, and our U.S. State Data Privacy Laws Notice for more information on “sharing” for personalized advertising purposes under applicable U.S. state laws.Removed
759Rights.Removed
760You have the right to (i) know what personal data we collect, use, disclose, “share”, and sell, (ii) delete your personal data, (iii) correct your personal data, (iv) restrict the use and disclosure of your sensitive data, (v) receive a copy of your personal data, and (vi) opt-out of “sharing” your personal data with third parties for personalized advertising purposes on third party sites.Removed
761You may have the right to know how we may provide your data to certain third parties (if any).Removed
762You can make these requests yourself or through an authorized agent.Removed
763If you use an authorized agent, we provide your agent with detailed guidance on how to exercise your privacy rights.Removed
764Please see our U.S. State Data Privacy Laws Notice for additional information on how to exercise these rights.Removed
765You may indicate your choice to opt-out of the sharing of your personal data with third parties for personalized advertising on third party sites by visiting our sharing opt-out page .Removed
766You can also control the personalized advertising you see on Microsoft properties by visiting our opt-out page.Removed
767Universal Opt-Outs.Removed
500Advertising helps us provide, support, and improve some of our products.
501Microsoft does not use what you say in email, human-to-human chat, video calls or voice mail, or your documents, photos, or other personal files stored on your device or cloud storage to target ads to you.
502We use other data for advertising on Microsoft and third-party properties.
503Ads may be shown that relate to the current interaction you are having with us, such as your Copilot conversations (including files you share); your current location; transactions; product usage; search queries; or the content you’re viewing.
504For example, if you search “pizza places in Seattle” on Bing, you may see ads for local restaurants in Seattle in your search results.
505Where permitted, ads can also be personalized using information about you collected over time, like demographic data, location, search queries, interests, purchase history, favorites, usage of our products and sites, and information from advertisers and partners.
506We call these kinds of ads "personalized advertising." For example, viewing gaming content on xbox.com may result in you later seeing game ads on MSN.
507Personalized ads use cookies combined with information we collect when your browser interacts with our sites (like your IP address.) Data from cookies will not be used for personalized ads if you opt-out of receiving such ads.
508To learn more about Microsoft’s use of data to deliver personalized advertising and to opt out of receiving personalized advertising from Microsoft, please visit our personalized ads & offers settings page, and see our Opting Out section below.
509Certain products have their own personalized ads settings.
510For example, if you’re signed in with your Microsoft account, subject to your privacy settings, we use your online activity in Microsoft Edge to show you personalized ads.
511You can adjust your Edge privacy settings under Microsoft Edge > Settings > Privacy and Services .
512In Windows, if the advertising ID is enabled in your Windows privacy settings, third parties can access and use it to deliver ads in apps.
513Further details regarding our advertising-related uses of data: Advertising industry best practices and commitments .
514Microsoft participates in industry self-regulatory programs and adheres to the NAI Self-Regulatory Framework .
515We also adhere to the following self-regulatory programs: In the US: Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) In Europe: European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA) In Canada: Ad Choices: Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada (DAAC) / Choix de Pub: l'Alliance de la publicité numérique du Canada (DAAC) Children and advertising .
516We do not deliver personalized advertising to children whose birthdate in their Microsoft account identifies them as under 18 years of age.
517Sensitive Data : Microsoft Advertising does not collect, process, or disclose personal data that qualifies as “sensitive data” under applicable U.S. state data privacy laws for the purposes of providing personalized advertising.
518Opting Out .
519To opt out of receiving personalized advertising from Microsoft, visit our personalized ads and offers page.
520To opt out of sharing data with third parties for personalized ads, please visit our third-party ad settings page.
521When you’re logged into your Microsoft account, your opt out choice will be associated with your account and applied across devices whenever you are signed in.
522If you are not signed in and choose to opt out, your preference is stored in a browser-specific cookie on your device, valid for five years; if you delete cookies, you must opt out again.
523Microsoft receives and responds to the Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser opt-out signal in certain jurisdictions.
770We do not use or disclose your sensitive data for purposes other than those listed below, without your consent, or as permitted or required under applicable laws.525Data collected by or disclosed to other advertising companies .
771So, we do not offer an ability to limit the use of sensitive data.526Advertisers sometimes include their own or other advertising partners’ web beacons within their ads that we display, enabling them to set and read their own cookies.
772You may have additional rights related to your consumer health data as defined by applicable state consumer health privacy laws.527In some cases, we share reports with advertisers about the data we have collected on their sites or ads.
773Please see our Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy for information on the rights available under Washington State’s My Health My Data Act (MHMDA) and other applicable U.S. consumer health privacy laws.528Additionally, Microsoft partners with Xandr (a Microsoft Company) and third-party ad companies to help provide some of our advertising services, and we also allow other third-party ad companies to display advertisements on our sites.
774If you have a Microsoft account, you can exercise your rights through the Microsoft privacy dashboard , which requires you to log in to your Microsoft account.529These third parties may place cookies on your devices and collect data about your online activities across websites or online services.
775If you have an additional request or questions after using the dashboard, you may contact Microsoft at the address in the How to contact us section, visit our privacy support and requests page, or call our US toll free number +1 (844) 931 2038.530These companies currently include, but are not limited to: Facebook , Media.net , Outbrain , Taboola and Yahoo .
776If you do not have an account, you may exercise your rights by contacting us as described above.531See our Cookies and similar technologies section for more information.
777To further protect your personal data, we may ask for additional information, such as your country of residence, email address, and phone number to validate your identity and request before honoring the request.532We may provide collected data to internal and external partners, including Xandr, other subsidiaries and affiliates, Yahoo, Facebook, or Trade Desk to help make sure the ads you see in our products and theirs, or on other sites, are more relevant to you.
778If you have made a request to Microsoft to know, delete, correct, or receive your personal information and believe your request was denied by Microsoft, you can exercise your right to appeal the results of your request by contacting our privacy support team via our privacy support and requests page.Removed
779If your appeal is unsuccessful and depending upon the state where you live, you may have the right to raise a concern or lodge a complaint with your state attorney general.Removed
780You have a right not to receive discriminatory treatment if you exercise your privacy rights.Removed
781We will not discriminate against you if you exercise your privacy rights.Removed
782Personal information processing .Removed
783In the bulleted list below, we outline the categories of personal data we collect, the sources of the personal data, our purposes of processing, and the categories of third-party recipients with whom we provide the personal data.Removed
784For a description of the data included in each category, please see the Personal data we collect section.Removed
785As referenced in the Reasons we share personal data section, we may also disclose this data among Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries.Removed
786Please see the Our retention of personal data section for information on personal data retention criteria.Removed
787Categories of Personal Data Name and contact data Sources of personal data: Interactions with users and partners with whom we offer co-branded services Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide our products; respond to customer questions; help, secure, and troubleshoot; and marketing Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Credentials Sources of personal data: Interactions with users and organizations that represent users Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide our products; authentication and account access; and help, secure and troubleshoot Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Demographic data Sources of personal data: Interactions with users and purchases from data brokers Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide and personalize our products; product development; help, secure, and troubleshoot; and marketing Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Payment data Sources of personal data: Interactions with users and financial institutions Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Transact commerce; process transactions; fulfill orders; help, secure, and troubleshoot; and detect and prevent fraud Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Subscription and licensing data Sources of personal data: Interactions with users and organizations that represent users; third-party storefronts and platforms on which our products are purchased Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide, personalize, and activate our products; customer support; help, secure, and troubleshoot; marketing; and accounting Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Interactions Sources of personal data: Interactions with users including data Microsoft generates through those interactions Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide and personalize our products; product improvement; product development; marketing; and help, secure and troubleshoot Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Content Sources of personal data: Interactions with users and organizations that represent users Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide our products; safety; and help, secure, and troubleshoot Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Video or recordings Sources of personal data: Interactions with users and publicly available sources Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide our products; product improvement; product development; marketing; help, secure, and troubleshoot; and safety Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities Feedback and ratings Sources of personal data: Interactions with users Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide our products; product improvement; product development; customer support; and help, secure, and troubleshoot Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities While the bulleted list above contains the primary sources and purposes of processing for each category of personal data, we also collect personal data from the sources listed in the Personal data we collect section, such as developers who create experiences through or for Microsoft products.Removed
788Similarly, we process all categories of personal data for the purposes described in the How we use personal data section, such as meeting our legal obligations, developing our workforce, and doing research.Removed
789Subject to your privacy settings , your consent, and depending on the products you use and your choices, we may collect, process, or disclose certain personal data that qualifies as “sensitive data” under applicable U.S. state data privacy laws.Removed
790Sensitive data is a subset of personal data.Removed
791In the list below, we outline the categories of sensitive data we collect, the sources of the sensitive data, our purposes of processing, and the categories of third party recipients with whom we share the sensitive data.Removed
792Please see the Personal data we collect section for more information about the sensitive data we may collect.Removed
793Categories of Sensitive Data Account log-in, financial account, debit or credit card number, and the means to access the account (security or access code, password, credentials, etc.) Sources of sensitive data: Interactions with users and organizations that represent users Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide the product and fulfill requested financial transactions Recipients: Service providers and payment processing providers Precise geo-location information Sources of sensitive data: Users’ interactions with the products Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide the service requested; product improvement; some attributes may be disclosed to third parties to provide the service Recipients: Users and service providers (please see the Windows Location Services and Recording section of our privacy statement for more information) Racial or ethnic origin, religious or philosophical beliefs, or union membership Sources of sensitive data: Communications with users Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Conduct research studies to better understand how our products are used and perceived and for the purposes of improving the product experiences Recipients: Service providers Medical or mental health, sex life, or sexual orientation Sources of sensitive data: Communications with users Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Conduct research studies to better understand how our products are used and perceived and for the purposes of improving the product experiences and accessibility Recipients: Service providers Contents of your mail, email, or text messages (where Microsoft is not the intended recipient of the communication) Sources of sensitive data: Users’ interactions with the products Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide our products; improve the product experience; safety; and help, secure, and troubleshoot Recipients: Service providers Personal data collected from a known child under 13 years of age Sources of sensitive data: Interactions with users and organizations that represent users Purposes of Processing (Collection and Disclosure to Third Parties): Provide our products; product improvement; product development; recommendations; help, secure, and troubleshoot; and safety Recipients: Service providers and user-directed entities (in accordance with your Microsoft Family Safety settings ) While the bulleted list above contains the primary sources and purposes of processing for personal data collected from children under 13, we also collect personal data from the sources listed in the Collection of Data from Children section.Removed
794We do not use or disclose your sensitive data for purposes other than the following: Perform the services or provide the goods you reasonably expect Help ensure the security and integrity of our services, systems, and data, to combat malicious deceptive, fraudulent or illegal acts, and to protect the physical safety of individuals, to the extent the processing is reasonably necessary and proportionate For short-term transient use (including non-personalized advertising), so long as the personal data is not disclosed to a third party, is not used for profiling, and is not used to alter an individual’s experience outside the current interaction with Microsoft Perform services on behalf of Microsoft, such as maintaining accounts, providing customer service, processing, or fulfilling orders/transactions, verifying customer information, processing payments, providing financing, providing analytics, providing storage, and similar services Undertake activities to verify or maintain the quality or safety of, or improve, upgrade, or enhance a service or device owned or controlled by Microsoft Collect or process sensitive data where the collection or processing is not for inferring characteristics about the individual Any other activities in accordance with any future regulations that are issued pursuant to U.S. state data privacy laws De-Identified Data .Removed
795In some situations, Microsoft may process de-identified data.Removed
796Data is in this state when we are not able to link data to an individual to whom such data may relate without taking additional steps.Removed
797In those instances, and unless allowed under applicable law, we will maintain such information in a de-identified state, and will not try to re-identify the individual to whom the de-identified data relates.Removed
798Disclosures of personal data for business or commercial purposes .Removed
799As indicated in the Reasons we share personal data section, we share personal data with third parties for various business and commercial purposes.Removed
800The primary business and commercial purposes for which we share personal data are the purposes of processing listed in the table above.Removed
801However, we share all categories of personal data for the business and commercial purposes in the Reasons we share personal data section.Removed
802Parties that control collection of personal data .Removed
803In certain situations, we may allow a third party to control the collection of your personal data.Removed
804For example, third party applications or extensions that run on Windows or Edge browser may collect personal data based on their own practices.Removed
805Microsoft allows advertising companies to collect information about your interactions with our websites in order to deliver personalized ads on Microsoft’s behalf.Removed
806You can view our third party ad partners on the U.S. State Data Privacy Laws Notice , and opt-out of data sharing with third parties at our opt-out page .Removed
807Back to top Advertising Advertising allows us to provide, support, and improve some of our products.Removed
808Microsoft does not use what you say in email, human-to-human chat, video calls or voice mail, or your documents, photos, or other personal files to target ads to you.Removed
809We use other data, detailed below, for advertising on our Microsoft properties and on third-party properties.Removed
810For example: Microsoft may use data we collect to select and deliver some of the ads you see on Microsoft web properties, such as Microsoft.com , Microsoft Start, and Bing.Removed
811We may also use such data to select and deliver ads on third party digital properties.Removed
812When the advertising ID is enabled in Windows as part of your privacy settings, third parties can access and use the advertising ID (much the same way that websites can access and use a unique identifier stored in a cookie) to select and deliver ads in such apps.Removed
813We may share data we collect with internal and external partners, such as Xandr and other subsidiaries and affiliates, Yahoo, Facebook or The Trade Desk (see below), so that the ads you see in our products, their products, or on other sites are more relevant and valuable to you.Removed
814Advertisers may choose to place our web beacons on their sites, or use similar technologies, in order to allow Microsoft to collect information on their sites such as activities, purchases, and visits; we use this data on behalf of our advertising customers to provide ads.Removed
815The ads that you see may be selected based on data we process about you, such as your interests and favorites, your location, your transactions, how you use our products, your search queries, or the content you view.Removed
816For example, if you view content on Microsoft Start about automobiles, we may show advertisements about cars; if you search “pizza places in Seattle” on Bing, you may see advertisements in your search results for restaurants in Seattle.Removed
817The ads that you see may also be selected based on other information learned about you over time using demographic data, location data, search queries, interests and favorites, usage data from our products and sites, and the information we collect about you from the sites and apps of our advertisers and partners.Removed
818We refer to these ads as "personalized advertising" in this statement.Removed
819For example, if you view gaming content on xbox.com , you may see ads for games on Microsoft Start.Removed
820To provide personalized advertising, we combine cookies placed on your device using information that we collect (such as IP address) when your browser interacts with our websites.Removed
821If you opt out of receiving personalized advertising, data associated with these cookies will not be used.Removed
822We may use information about you to serve you with personalized advertising when you use Microsoft services.Removed
823If you are logged in with your Microsoft account and have consented to allow Microsoft Edge to use your online activity for personalized advertising, you will see ads for products and services based on your online activity while using Microsoft Edge.Removed
824To configure your privacy settings for Edge, go to Microsoft Edge > Settings > Privacy and Services.Removed
825To configure your privacy and ad settings for your Microsoft account with respect to your online activity across browsers, including Microsoft Edge, or when visiting third-party websites or apps, go to your dashboard at privacy.microsoft.com .Removed
826Further details regarding our advertising-related uses of data include: Advertising industry best practices and commitments .Removed
827Microsoft participates in industry self-regulatory programs and adheres to the NAI Self-Regulatory Framework .Removed
828We also adhere to the following self-regulatory programs: In the US: Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) In Europe: European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA) In Canada: Ad Choices: Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada (DAAC) / Choix de Pub: l'Alliance de la publicité numérique du Canada (DAAC) Health-related ad targeting .Removed
829In the United States, we provide personalized advertising based on a limited number of standard, non-sensitive health-related interest categories, including allergies, arthritis, cholesterol, cold and flu, diabetes, gastrointestinal health, headache / migraine, healthy eating, healthy heart, men’s health, oral health, osteoporosis, skin health, sleep, and vision / eye care.Removed
830We will also personalize ads based on custom, non-sensitive health-related interest categories as requested by advertisers.Removed
831Children and advertising .Removed
832We do not deliver personalized advertising to children whose birthdate in their Microsoft account identifies them as under 18 years of age.Removed
833Sensitive Data .Removed
834Microsoft Advertising does not collect, process, or disclose personal data that qualifies as “sensitive data” under applicable U.S. state data privacy laws for the purposes of providing personalized advertising.Removed
835Data sharing .Removed
836In some cases, we share with advertisers reports about the data we have collected on their sites or ads.Removed
837Data collected by or shared with other advertising companies .Removed
838Advertisers sometimes include their own web beacons (or those of their other advertising partners) within their advertisements that we display, enabling them to set and read their own cookie.Removed
839Additionally, Microsoft partners with Xandr , a Microsoft company, and third-party ad companies to help provide some of our advertising services, and we also allow other third-party ad companies to display advertisements on our sites.Removed
840These third parties may place cookies on your computer and collect data about your online activities across websites or online services.Removed
841These companies currently include, but are not limited to: Facebook , Media.ne t , Outb rain , Taboola and Yah oo .Removed
842Select any of the preceding links to find more information on each company's practices, including the choices it offers.Removed
843We also share data we collect with other companies like The Trade Desk for advertising purposes.Removed
845Many of these companies participate in the DAA (U.S.) , EDAA (Europe) or DAAC (Canada), which provide industry-wide choice tools.534Many of these companies participate in the DAA (U.S.) , EDAA (Europe) or DAAC (Canada), which provide industry-wide choice tools to opt out of ad targeting from participating companies.
846To learn more about Microsoft’s use of data to deliver personalized advertising and to opt out of receiving personalized advertising from Microsoft, visit our opt-out page.535View Summary Learn more Back to top Other important privacy information Below you will find additional privacy information, such as how we use diagnostic data, how and when we update our privacy statement, and how to contact us.
847When you opt out, your preference is stored in a cookie that is specific to the web browser you are using.536You can find more information on Microsoft and our commitment to protecting your privacy at Microsoft Privacy .
848The opt-out cookie has an expiration date of five years.537Diagnostic data Many Microsoft products collect diagnostic data to keep our services secure and up-to-date; help ensure they work as expected; detect, diagnose, and fix problems; and improve our products.
849If you delete the cookies on your device, you need to opt out again.538Diagnostic data can include information about crashes, performance, and your usage of our products.
850Back to top Speech recognition technologies Speech recognition technologies are integrated into many Microsoft products and services.539There are two levels of diagnostic data: required diagnostic data and optional diagnostic data.
851Microsoft provides both device-based speech recognition features and cloud-based (online) speech recognition features.540Products that collect diagnostic data will always collect required diagnostic data, but you can control whether to send us optional diagnostic data.
852Microsoft’s speech recognition technology transcribes voice data into text.541Required diagnostic data .
853With your permission, Microsoft employees and vendors working on behalf of Microsoft, will be able to review snippets of your voice data or voice clips in order to build and improve our speech recognition technologies.542The minimum data necessary to help keep our products, apps and services secure, up to date, and performing as expected.
854These improvements allow us to build better voice-enabled capabilities that benefit users across all our consumer and enterprise products and services.543This includes information about your device, the Microsoft software you are using, settings, capabilities, and performance.
855Prior to employee or vendor review of voice data, we protect users’ privacy by taking steps to de-identify the data, requiring non-disclosure agreements with relevant vendors and their employees, and requiring that employees and vendors meet high privacy standards.544Optional diagnostic data .
856Learn more about Microsoft and your voice data .545Additional diagnostic data about your use of a device, application, accessories, or other products and services, which helps us improve our products and detect and fix issues.
857Back to top Preview or free-of-charge releases Microsoft offers preview, insider, beta or other free-of-charge products and features ("previews") to enable you to evaluate them while providing Microsoft with data about your use of the product, including feedback and device and usage data.546This may also include data about the websites you browse, device activity (also sometimes referred to as usage), and enhanced error reporting.
547See the Microsoft Privacy Report for more information about how we use diagnostic data.
548Back to top Preview or free-of-charge releases Microsoft offers preview, insider, beta or other free-of-charge products and features ("previews") to enable you to evaluate them while providing data about your use of the product, including feedback and device and usage data.
859If you participate in previews, we may contact you about your feedback or your interest in continuing to use the product after general release.550Back to top Changes to this privacy statement We update this privacy statement when necessary and to provide greater transparency, such as in response to feedback from customers, regulators, industry, or other stakeholders; changes in our products; changes in our data processing activities or policies; or changes in applicable laws.
860Back to top Changes to this privacy statement We update this privacy statement when necessary to provide greater transparency or in response to: Feedback from customer, regulators, industry, or other stakeholders.Removed
861Changes in our products.Removed
862Changes in our data processing activities or policies.Removed
864If there are material changes to the statement, such as a change to the purposes of processing of personal data that is not consistent with the purpose for which it was originally collected, we will notify you either by prominently posting a notice of such changes before they take effect or by directly sending you a notification.552If there are material changes to the statement, such as a change to the purposes of processing personal data that is not consistent with the original purpose for collection, we will provide prominent notice of the change before it takes effect.
865We encourage you to periodically review this privacy statement to learn how Microsoft is protecting your information.553We encourage you to periodically review this privacy statement for updates.
867We will respond to questions or concerns within a period no longer than 30 days or where otherwise required by law.555We will respond to questions or concerns within a period of no longer than 30 days or where otherwise required by law.
876If you would like to exercise your rights under applicable U.S. state data privacy law, you may contact Microsoft at the address listed above, use our privacy support and requests page, or call our U.S. toll free number +1 (844) 931 2038.564If you would like to exercise your rights under applicable U.S. state data privacy law, you may contact Microsoft at the U.S. address listed above, use our privacy support and requests page, or call our U.S. toll free number +1 (844) 931 2038.
877If you are a resident of Canada and its provinces you may contact the Microsoft Data Protection Officer for Canada at Microsoft Canada Head Office, 4400-81 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5J 0E7, at +1 (416) 349 2506, or visit our privacy support and requests page.565If you are located in Brazil, you may contact us under the LGPD here .
878If you are located in Brazil you may contact us under the LGPD here .Removed
885View Summary Learn more Back to top Artificial Intelligence and Copilot capabilities Microsoft leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in many of our products and services, including by incorporating generative AI “Copilot” capabilities.572View Summary Learn more Back to top Artificial Intelligence and Copilot capabilities Microsoft leverages artificial intelligence (AI) in many of our products and services, including by incorporating generative AI features. “Copilot” is a family of services, products, and solutions that leverage generative AI technologies to generate outputs.
886Microsoft’s deployment and use of AI is subject to Microsoft’s AI Principles and Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standard , and Microsoft’s collection and use of personal data in developing and deploying AI features is consistent with the commitments outlined in this privacy statement.573Our use of AI is subject to Microsoft’s AI Principles and Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standard , and our collection and use of personal data in developing and deploying our AI features is consistent with our commitments outlined throughout our privacy statement.
887Product-specific details provide additional relevant information.574You can find out more about the tools, practices, and policies Microsoft has created to uphold our responsible AI principles here .
888You can find out more about the tools, practices, and policies Microsoft has created to uphold our responsible AI principles here . “Copilot” is a family of services, products, and solutions that leverage generative AI technologies to generate outputs.575The Microsoft Copilot family of services, products, and solutions leverages generative AI technologies to generate outputs.
890Learn more below.577Our use of AI is subject to Microsoft’s AI Principles and Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standard , and our collection and use of personal data in developing and deploying our AI features is consistent with our commitments outlined throughout our privacy statement.
891The Microsoft Copilot website and app (available on Windows, iOS and Android) is the core of the consumer Copilot experience.578You can find out more about the tools, practices, and policies Microsoft has created to uphold our responsible AI principles here .
892Within this core experience, you can search the web, create text, images, songs, or other outputs, engage with other features like Copilot Vision, and let Copilot interact with other apps, services, and websites to take Actions on your behalf.579The Microsoft Copilot website and app (on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android) are the core of the consumer Copilot experience, where you can search the web, create content, and interact with features like Copilot Vision, as well as let Microsoft Copilot interact with other apps, services, and websites to take actions on your behalf.
893When interacting with Microsoft Copilot, you enter “prompts” that provide instructions to Copilot (e.g., “Give me recommendations for a restaurant that accommodates parties of 10 near me”).580When you use Microsoft Copilot, it will use your prompts, location, language, and related settings to provide helpful responses and improve services (including to provide relevant advertising).
894To provide a relevant response, Microsoft Copilot will use this prompt, along with your location, language, and similar settings, as well as other data you might input into the service (for example, files, images, and visual media) to formulate a helpful response.581For signed-in users in some markets, Microsoft Copilot can use your conversation history to personalize your experience.
895In some markets, Microsoft Copilot can use your prior conversation history to better personalize the product for you based on the information you shared – such as your interests and goals.Removed
897Microsoft Copilot also uses your prompts and related information (like location and language) to provide and improve the Copilot services, including to provide relevant advertising.583Microsoft Copilot also uses prompts and related data to provide and improve services, including relevant advertising.
898You can manage your prompt history in product and on the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard (if signed in), and can adjust your location, language, and other settings (including additional privacy choices) in the product.584You can manage your prompt history in product and on the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard, and can adjust your location, language, and other additional privacy settings in product.
900Microsoft will only use your Microsoft Copilot conversations to monitor performance, troubleshoot problems, diagnose bugs, prevent abuse, and to provide and improve Microsoft Copilot.586We will also use your conversation data to monitor performance, troubleshoot and fix bugs and issues, prevent abuse, and to provide and improve Microsoft Copilot.
901In certain markets, we use conversation data to train the generative AI models in Copilot, unless you choose to opt-out of such training.587In some markets, this data can help train our AI models in Microsoft Copilot unless you opt out.
902More information about how your data is protected and the controls we offer in Microsoft Copilot is available here .588Learn more about your choices and data protection here .
903We also take measures to ensure that content we show you is safe.589Please also review the Transparency Note for Microsoft Copilot for information on our safety practices and our efforts to ensure that Copilot is consistent with our Responsible AI principles.
904You can learn more about our approach to safety in our Transparency Note for Microsoft Copilot .590Microsoft Copilot also appears in other Microsoft products like Microsoft Edge and Xbox.
905Microsoft Copilot also appears as an assistant within other Microsoft consumer products, such as Microsoft Edge and Xbox.591In these cases, data is generally used according to each product’s primary uses.
906In those situations, data processing activities generally align with those products’ primary uses.592For more information, see the Microsoft Edge and Xbox sections of this privacy statement.
907See the Microsoft Edge and Xbox sections of this privacy statement to learn more about Copilot features within those products.593If you use Microsoft Copilot in third-party products and services, such as messaging platforms, Microsoft processes your data as described here, but the third party’s privacy policies and data processing activities may also apply.
908Microsoft Copilot also appears as an assistant within certain third-party products and services, including several consumer chat and messaging platforms.594Microsoft 365 Copilot is a consumer Copilot offering available to Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Personal subscribers.
909In those situations, we process data in line with our privacy statement.595When integrated with Microsoft 365, Copilot handles data as described in the Productivity and Communications section of this privacy statement.
910Additionally, your interactions with Microsoft Copilot via a third-party product or service may also be subject to the third party’s privacy policies and data processing activities.596For enterprise customers, Microsoft 365 Copilot offers enhanced data protection and customization.
911Microsoft 365 Copilot is a consumer Copilot offering that provides access to the very latest models, improved image creation abilities, and access to Copilot in Microsoft 365.597Data is collected and used as described in the Enterprise and Developer Products section.
912Copilot functionality is included in Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Personal subscriptions.598The Copilot features that appear in Microsoft 365 apps as part of a Microsoft 365 Personal, Microsoft 365 Family, or Microsoft 365 Premium subscription provide AI-powered productivity capabilities through real-time conversational experiences.
913When Copilot is integrated with Microsoft 365 products, Copilot data collection is consistent with how data collection and use is described in the Productivity and Communications section of this privacy statement.599We do so by applying large language model (LLM) processing on the content you choose to provide in Microsoft 365 apps including Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
914Microsoft 365 Copilot, also available for Microsoft 365 enterprise offerings, provides enterprise-grade data protection along with access to the corporate graph, Copilot within Microsoft 365 and Teams, and additional customization features.600Copilot in Microsoft 365 is not available for use in Office desktop licenses.
915Data collection and use in Microsoft 365 Copilot is consistent with the practices described in the Enterprise and Developer Products section of this privacy statement.601When used with available Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot will use the content in your files only when you ask it to perform a specific action on that specific content – for example, when you ask Copilot to help you rewrite a paragraph in a Word document or ask Copilot to generate a to-do list from your notes in OneNote.
916Back to top Enterprise and developer products Enterprise and Developer Products are Microsoft products and related software offered to and designed primarily for use by organizations and developers.602Similar to connected experiences, required service data is collected during your use of Copilot which includes information related to its operation that is needed to keep the underlying service secure, up to date, and performing as expected.
917They include: Cloud services, referred to as Online Services in the Product Terms, such as Microsoft 365 and Office 365, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics365, and Microsoft Intune for which an organization (our customer) contracts with Microsoft for the services (“Enterprise Online Services”).603See Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps for your home: your data and privacy – Microsoft Support and Frequently asked questions about Copilot in Microsoft 365 subscriptions for more information.
918Other enterprise and developer tools and cloud-based services, such as Azure PlayFab Services (to learn more see Azure PlayFab Terms of Service ).604Copilot Health is a consumer Copilot offering specifically developed to provide personalized assistance focused on health and wellness.
919Server, developer, and hybrid cloud platform products, such as Windows Server, SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, Azure Stack and open source software like Bot Framework solutions (“Enterprise and Developer Software”).605Copilot Health allows you to upload health-related data including your personal health records and data from wearable devices.
920Appliances and hardware used for storage infrastructure, such as StorSimple (“Enterprise Appliances”).606Copilot Health can use that data, along with your prompts and chat history, to provide you with personalized information and recommendations.
607The information you choose to submit to Copilot Health is used to provide and operate the Copilot Health service.
608It is not used to develop or train generative AI models, and it is not used for advertising or marketing purposes.
609Please see the Copilot Health FAQs for more information.
610View Summary Learn more Back to top Enterprise and developer products, and products provided by your organization Enterprise and Developer Products are Microsoft products and related software offered to and designed primarily for use by organizations and developers.
611These include our enterprise online services; other enterprise and developer cloud-based services; other enterprise and developer software; applications and hardware used for storage infrastructure; and professional services available with our online services.
612In the event of a conflict between our privacy statement and the terms of any agreement(s) between a customer and Microsoft for Enterprise and Developer Products, the terms of those agreement(s) will control.
613You can also learn more about our Enterprise and Developer Products’ features and settings, including choices that impact your privacy or your end users’ privacy, in product documentation.
614Enterprise and Developer Products are Microsoft products and related software offered to and designed primarily for use by organizations and developers.
615For example: Enterprise Online Services (referred to as “Online Services” in the Product Terms ) that our enterprise customers contract with us for, such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Intune.
616Other enterprise and developer cloud-based services, such as Azure PlayFab Services (to learn more see Azure PlayFab Terms of Service ).
617Other enterprise and developer software, such as Windows Server, SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, Azure Stack and open-source software like Bot Framework solutions (“Developer Software”).
618Appliances and hardware used for storage infrastructure (“Enterprise Appliances”).
620To learn more, see Microsoft Professional Services .
924If any of the terms below are not defined in this Privacy Statement or the Product Terms , they have the definitions below.623When a customer like your employer or school uses, purchases, or subscribes to Enterprise and Developer Products, or obtains support for our professional services with such products, Microsoft collects and generates data to provide the service, conduct our business operations, and communicate with the customer.
925General .Removed
926When a customer tries, purchases, uses, or subscribes to Enterprise and Developer Products, or obtains support for or professional services with such products, Microsoft receives data from you and collects and generates data to provide the service (including improving, securing, and updating the service), conduct our business operations, and communicate with the customer.Removed
929When a customer pays for products, we collect contact and payment data to process the payment.Removed
931When a customer engages with Microsoft for professional services, we collect the name and contact data of the customer’s designated point of contact and use information provided by the customer to perform the services that the customer has requested.627The Enterprise and Developer Products enable our customers to purchase, subscribe to, or use other products and online services from Microsoft or third parties with different privacy practices.
932The Enterprise and Developer Products enable you to purchase, subscribe to, or use other products and online services from Microsoft or third parties with different privacy practices, and those other products and online services are governed by their respective privacy statements and policies.628Those products and online services are governed by their respective privacy statements and policies.
933Enterprise and Developer Products are Microsoft products and related software offered to and designed primarily for use by organizations and developers.629Products provided by your organization—notice to end users If you use a Microsoft product with a work or school account, that organization can: Control and administer your Microsoft product and product account, including controlling your access to, and the privacy-related settings of, the product or your account.
934They include: Cloud services, referred to as Online Services in the Product Terms, such as Microsoft 365 and Office 365, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics365, and Microsoft Intune for which an organization (our customer) contracts with Microsoft for the services (“Enterprise Online Services”).630Access and process your data, including the interaction data, diagnostic data, and the contents of your communications and files associated with your Microsoft product and accounts.
935Other enterprise and developer tools and cloud-based services, such as Azure PlayFab Services (to learn more see Azure PlayFab Terms of Service ).631If your organization provides you with access to Microsoft products, your use of those products is subject to your organization’s policies.
936Server, developer, and hybrid cloud platform products, such as Windows Server, SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, Azure Stack and open source software like Bot Framework solutions (“Enterprise and Developer Software”).632For privacy questions or to exercise your data protection rights, please contact your organization’s administrator.
937Appliances and hardware used for storage infrastructure, such as StorSimple (“Enterprise Appliances”).633Microsoft is not responsible for the privacy or security practices of our customers, including your work or school, which may differ from this privacy statement.
938Professional services referred to in the Product Terms that are available with Enterprise Online Services, such as onboarding services, data migration services, data science services, or services to supplement existing features in the Enterprise Online Services.634When you use a Microsoft product provided by your organization, Microsoft processes your personal data as described in the contract with your organization and as needed to provide the product and Microsoft’s related business operations.
939In the event of a conflict between this Microsoft privacy statement and the terms of any agreement(s) between a customer and Microsoft for Enterprise and Developer Products, the terms of those agreement(s) will control.635For questions about Microsoft’s processing of your data for your organization, contact your organization.
940You can also learn more about our Enterprise and Developer Products’ features and settings, including choices that impact your privacy or your end users’ privacy, in product documentation.636If you have questions about Microsoft’s business operations in connection with providing products to your organization as provided in the Product Terms, contact Microsoft as described in the How to contact us section.
941If any of the terms below are not defined in this Privacy Statement or the Product Terms , they have the definitions below.637For Microsoft products provided by your K-12 school, including Microsoft 365 Education, Microsoft will: not collect or use student personal data beyond that needed for authorized educational or school purposes; not sell or rent student personal data; not use or share student personal data for advertising or similar commercial purposes, such as providing personalized advertising to students; not build a personal profile of a student, other than for supporting authorized educational or school purposes or as authorized by the parent, guardian, or student of appropriate age; and require that our vendors who receive student personal data in order to provide our educational services to implement these same commitments for student personal data.
942General .638Back to top Applicable Terms for Enterprise online services To provide our Enterprise Online Services, Microsoft processes, uses, and stores data as described in the Product Terms , Microsoft Products and Services Data Protection Addendum (Products and Services DPA) , and the Microsoft Trust Center .
943When a customer tries, purchases, uses, or subscribes to Enterprise and Developer Products, or obtains support for or professional services with such products, Microsoft receives data from you and collects and generates data to provide the service (including improving, securing, and updating the service), conduct our business operations, and communicate with the customer.639Back to top Enterprise and developer software and enterprise appliances Enterprise and developer software and enterprise appliances collect data to operate effectively and provide the best experiences.
944For example: When a customer engages with a Microsoft sales representative, we collect the customer’s name and contact data, along with information about the customer’s organization, to support that engagement.640The types of data collected depend on the features you use and your organization’s configuration and settings but is generally limited to device and usage data.
945When a customer interacts with a Microsoft support professional, we collect device and usage data or error reports to diagnose and resolve problems.641Customers and, where applicable, end users may have choices about the data provided.
946When a customer pays for products, we collect contact and payment data to process the payment.642Examples include: Device and usage data collected during installation or upgrade to address technical issues.
947When Microsoft sends communications to a customer, we use data to personalize the content of the communication.643Device and usage data from product usage to improve security and functionality.
948When a customer engages with Microsoft for professional services, we collect the name and contact data of the customer’s designated point of contact and use information provided by the customer to perform the services that the customer has requested.644Optional error reports sent to Microsoft to help diagnose problems and deliver support.
949The Enterprise and Developer Products enable you to purchase, subscribe to, or use other products and online services from Microsoft or third parties with different privacy practices, and those other products and online services are governed by their respective privacy statements and policies.645Microsoft uses this data to provide and improve our products, deliver customer support, activate products, communicate with users, and operate our business in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
950Enterprise online services To provide the Enterprise Online Services, Microsoft uses data you provide (including Customer Data, Personal Data, Administrator Data, Payment Data, and Support Data) and data Microsoft collects or generates associated with your use of the Enterprise Online Services.Removed
951We process data as described in the Product Terms , Microsoft Products and Services Data Protection Addendum (Products and Services DPA), and the Microsoft Trust Center .Removed
952Personal Data .Removed
953Customer is the controller of Personal Data and Microsoft is the processor of such data, except when (a) Customer acts as a processor of Personal Data, in which case Microsoft is a subprocessor or (b) as stated otherwise in the standard Products and Services DPA .Removed
954In addition, as provided in the standard Products and Services DPA , Microsoft has taken on the added responsibilities of a data controller under GDPR when processing Personal Data in connection with its business operations incident to providing its services to Microsoft’s commercial customers, such as billing and account management; compensation; internal reporting and business modeling; and financial reporting.Removed
955We use Personal Data in the least identifiable form that will support processing necessary for these business operations.Removed
956We rely on statistical data and aggregate pseudonymized Personal Data before using it for our business operations, removing the ability to identify specific individuals.Removed
957Administrator Data .Removed
958Administrator Data is the information provided to Microsoft during sign-up, purchase, or administration of Enterprise Online Services.Removed
959We use Administrator Data to provide the Enterprise Online Services, complete transactions, service the account, detect and prevent fraud, and comply with our legal obligations.Removed
960Administrator Data includes the name, address, phone number, and email address you provide, as well as aggregated usage data related to your account, such as the controls you select.Removed
961Administrator Data also includes contact information of your colleagues and friends if you agree to provide it to Microsoft for the limited purpose of sending them an invitation to use the Enterprise Online Services; we contact those individuals with communications that include information about you, such as your name and profile photo.Removed
962As needed, we use Administrator Data to contact you to provide information about your account, subscriptions, billing, and updates to the Enterprise Online Services, including information about new features, security, or other technical issues.Removed
963We also contact you regarding third-party inquiries we receive regarding use of the Enterprise Online Services, as described in your agreement.Removed
964You cannot unsubscribe from these non-promotional communications.Removed
965We may also contact you regarding information and offers about other products and services, or share your contact information with Microsoft's partners.Removed
966When such a partner has specific services or solutions to meet your needs, or to optimize your use of the Enterprise Online Services, we may share limited, aggregated information about your organization’s account with the partner.Removed
967Microsoft will not share your confidential information or contact information with the authorized partner unless we have sufficient rights to do so.Removed
968You can manage your contact preferences or update your information in your account profile.Removed
969Payment Data .Removed
970We use payment data to complete transactions, as well as to detect and prevent fraud.Removed
971Support Data .Removed
972Customers provide or authorize Microsoft to collect data in connection with obtaining technical support for the Enterprise Online Services.Removed
973We process Support Data to provide technical support and as described in the Products and Services DPA .Removed
974Local Software and Diagnostic Data .Removed
975Some Online Services may require, or may be enhanced by, the installation of local software (e.g., agents, device management applications).Removed
976The local software may collect Diagnostic Data (as defined in the Products and Services DPA ) about the use and performance of that software.Removed
977That data may be transmitted to Microsoft and used for the purposes described in the Products and Services DPA .Removed
978Bing Search Services Data .Removed
979Bing Search Services, as defined in the Product Terms, use data such as search queries as described in the Bing section of this privacy statement.Removed
980Back to top Enterprise and developer software and enterprise appliances Enterprise and developer software and enterprise appliances collect data to operate effectively and provide you the best experiences.Removed
981The data we collect depends on the features you use, as well as your configuration and settings, but it is generally limited to device and usage data.Removed
982Customers have choices about the data they provide.Removed
983Here are examples of the data we collect: During installation or when you upgrade an enterprise and developer software, we may collect device and usage data to learn whether you experience any difficulties.Removed
984When you use enterprise software or enterprise appliances, we may collect device and usage data to learn about your operating environment to improve security features.Removed
985When you experience a crash using enterprise software or enterprise appliances, you may choose to send Microsoft an error report to help us diagnose the problem and deliver customer support.Removed
986Microsoft uses the data we collect from enterprise and developer software and enterprise appliances to provide and improve our products, to deliver customer support, to activate the product, to communicate with you, and to operate our business.Removed
987Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management platform and includes products that can be installed separately (such as SQL Server Management Studio).Removed
988For detailed information about what data we collect, how we use it, and how to manage your privacy options, visit the SQL Server privacy page .Removed
989If you work in an organization, your administrator can set certain telemetry settings in SQL Server via Group Policy.Removed
994Learn more about Windows diagnostic data .650See the Diagnostic Data section for more information.
1006View Summary Learn more Back to top Productivity and communications products Productivity and communications products are applications, software, and services you can use to create, store, and share documents, as well as communicate with others.662View Summary Learn more Back to top Productivity and communications products Productivity and communications products are applications, software, and services like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and others that you can use to create, store, and share documents, as well as communicate with others.
1007Productivity and communications products are applications, software, and services you can use to create, store, and share documents, as well as communicate with others.663These services will use your data depending on their features and how you use them – for example, we will collect usage data as well as information about your communications when you use Microsoft Teams, including the time and date and users that are part of the communication.
1008Microsoft 365, Office, and other productivity apps Microsoft 365, previous versions called Office 365, is a collection of subscription productivity services and applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, among others.664Please see below for more details about these services, their features, and how they use data.
665Productivity and communications products are applications, software, and services like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and others that you can use to create, store, and share documents, as well as communicate with others.
666These services will use your data depending on their features and how you use them – for example, we will collect usage data as well as information about your communications when you use Microsoft Teams, including the time and date and users that are part of the communication.
667Please see below for more details about these services, their features, and how they use data.
668Microsoft 365, Office, and other productivity apps Microsoft 365 is a collection of subscription productivity services and applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, among others.
1012Various cloud-based Microsoft 365 services enable you to use your file content for designs and recommendations, collaborate with others within your documents, and provide you functionality from other Microsoft products, such as Bing, and third-party connected products.672You can manage your privacy by accessing the privacy controls within your Microsoft 365 and Office apps.
1013If you work in an organization, your administrator may turn off or disable these connected services.Removed
1014You can access the privacy controls within your Microsoft 365 and Office apps.Removed
1019For example, the service syncs a list of most recently used documents or the last location viewed within a document.Removed
1023Updates from Microsoft .Removed
1024Microsoft uses services such as Click-to-Run, Microsoft AutoUpdate (for Mac), or Microsoft Update (for some versions of Office) to provide you with security and other important updates.Removed
1025These services can automatically detect the availability of online updates for Microsoft 365 or Office apps on your device and download and install them automatically.Removed
1029Users have a choice between two different levels of diagnostic data collection, Required and Optional.683Please see the Diagnostic Data section and Diagnostic Data in Microsoft 365 for more information.
1030Required .Removed
1031The minimum data necessary to help keep apps secure, up to date, and performing as expected on the device it’s installed on.Removed
1032Optional .Removed
1033Additional data that helps us make product improvements and provides enhanced information to help us detect, diagnose, and remediate issues.Removed
1034See Diagnostic Data for more information.Removed
1036Microsoft 365 continues to provide more experiences in client applications that are connected to and backed by cloud-based services.685Microsoft 365 and Office provide more experiences that are connected to and backed by cloud-based services.
1037A subset of these connected experiences is also available in Office.Removed
1038If you choose to use connected experiences, required service data will be collected to help keep these connected experiences reliable, up to date, secure, and performing as expected.Removed
1039See below for additional information about required service data.Removed
1048You can access the privacy controls within your Microsoft 365 and Office client apps.694If you choose to use connected experiences, we will collect required service data to help keep these connected experiences reliable, up to date, secure, and performing as expected.
1049These privacy settings allow you to configure your connected experiences.695Privacy controls within your Microsoft 365 and Office client apps allow you to configure your connected experiences.
1050For example, you can choose to enable connected experiences that download online content, but not connected experiences that analyze content.696But even if you turn off connected experiences, certain functionality will remain available, such as syncing your mailbox in Outlook, as well as essential services described below.
1051Turning off connected experiences will also turn off additional experiences, such as document co-authoring and online file storage.697These controls are not available when using Microsoft 365 for the web since you will already be cloud-connected.
1052But even if you use this privacy setting to turn off connected experiences, certain functionality will remain available, such as syncing your mailbox in Outlook, as well as essential services described below.698For more information about accessing these controls, see Account Privacy Settings .
1053These controls are not available when using Microsoft 365 for the web, since you will already be cloud-connected.Removed
1054For more information about accessing these controls, see Account Privacy Settings.Removed
1055If you choose to disable certain types of connected experiences, either the ribbon or menu command for those connected experiences will be grayed out or you will get an error message when you try to use those connected experiences.Removed
1057There are a set of services that are essential to how Microsoft 365 and Office functions and cannot be disabled.700There are a set of services that are essential to how Microsoft 365 and Office function and cannot be disabled.
1059Required service data about these services is collected and sent to Microsoft, regardless of any other settings that you have configured.702Required service data is collected and sent to Microsoft, regardless of any other settings that you have configured.
1062As you use a connected experience, data is sent to and processed by Microsoft to provide you that connected experience.705As you use a connected experience, required service data necessary to deliver our cloud-based connected experiences is sent to and processed by Microsoft.
1063This data is necessary because this information enables us to deliver these cloud-based connected experiences.Removed
1064We refer to this data as required service data.Removed
1066If you choose to use a connected experience that analyzes your content, for example Translate in Word, the text you typed and selected to translate is also sent and processed to provide you the connected experience.707If you choose to use a connected experience that analyzes your content — for example Translate in Word — the text you typed and selected to translate is also sent and processed to provide you with the connected experience.
1068Required service data can also include information needed by a connected experience to perform its task, such as configuration information about the Microsoft 365 or Office app.Removed
1070Copilot in Microsoft 365 .Removed
1071The Copilot features that appear in Microsoft 365 apps as part of a Microsoft 365 Personal, Microsoft 365 Family, or Microsoft 365 Premium subscription provide AI-powered productivity capabilities through real-time conversational experiences by applying large language model (LLM) processing on the content you choose to provide in Microsoft 365 apps including Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, and PowerPoint.Removed
1072Copilot in Microsoft 365 is not available for use in Office desktop licenses.Removed
1073When used with available Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot will use the content in your files only when you ask it to perform a specific action on that specific content - for example, when you ask Copilot to help you rewrite a paragraph in a Word document or ask Copilot to generate a to-do list from your notes in OneNote.Removed
1074Similar to connected experiences, required service data is collected during your use of Copilot that includes information related to its operation that is needed to keep the underlying service secure, up to date, and performing as expected.Removed
1075See Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps for your home: your data and privacy – Microsoft Support and frequently asked questions about Copilot in Microsoft 365 subscriptions for more information.Removed
1076Other Productivity Apps .Removed
1077Microsoft provides several productivity apps separate from Microsoft 365 and Office, including Whiteboard (a free form digital canvas using touch, type, and pen), To Do (a cloud-based task management app), and Sticky Notes (a desktop notes app).Removed
1078The apps use various cloud-based services to provide you with functionality from other Microsoft products, such as providing images from Bing in Whiteboard, recommending suggested tasks to add to My Day in To Do, and taking advantage of Sticky Notes' integration with Outlook.Removed
1081In PowerPoint, the presentation recording feature can access your device microphone and camera to record presentations with audio and video.712In PowerPoint, for example, the presentation recording feature can access your device microphone and camera to record presentations with audio and video.
1083As you speak, Speaker Coach gives you on-screen guidance about pacing, inclusive language, use of profanity, filler words, and whether you’re reading the slide text.Removed
1085Some Microsoft 365 applications, PowerPoint, Word, and OneNote, provide Dictate, a connected experience which lets you use speech-to-text to author content using your microphone.715Some Microsoft 365 applications, including PowerPoint, Word, and OneNote, provide Dictate, a connected experience which lets you use speech-to-text to draft content using your microphone.
1087OneNote can insert photos or record video using your camera.717OneNote can also insert photos or record video using your camera.
1093Back to top Microsoft Family This section applies to the Microsoft Family Safety M365 product, which allows a family group to connect through the Microsoft Family Safety app on their Windows, Xbox, or mobile devices.723Back to top Microsoft Family Safety The Microsoft Family Safety M365 product allows a family group to connect through the Microsoft Family Safety app on their Windows, Xbox, or mobile devices.
1095Microsoft Family Safety can help parents and guardians to create a safer environment for their family group with digital content filtering, screen time limits, spending for Microsoft and Xbox stores, setting age ratings for apps and games, and location sharing.725Microsoft Family Safety can help parents and guardians through tools such as digital content filtering, screen time limits, spending for Microsoft and Xbox stores, setting age limits for apps and games, and location sharing.
1097If you are using Microsoft Family Safety in Windows, see the Windows security and safety features section of the Privacy Statement for additional information.727If you are using Microsoft Family Safety in Windows, see the Windows security and safety features section of the Privacy Statement for more information.
1103Certain Family Safety features, such as Location Sharing, Drive Safety, Share Drives, Places, and Location Alerts will use your location information when enabled.733Certain Family Safety features, such as Location Sharing, Drive Safety, Share Drives, Places, and Location Alerts, will use your location information when enabled.
1105Microsoft retains only your last known location as part of the Location Sharing feature (each new location replaces the previous one).735Microsoft retains only your last known location as part of the Location Sharing feature.
1106When you enable Drive Safety, your location will be used to record your drive habits such as whether you are driving within the speed limits, if you’re using your phone while driving, and if you accelerate or brake suddenly.736When you enable Drive Safety, your location will be used to record your driving habits, such as whether you are driving within the speed limits, if you’re using your phone while driving, and if you accelerate or brake suddenly.
1109You can manage your device’s location data at the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard.739You can manage your device’s location data on the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard.
1112Microsoft Launcher lets you log in with your personal Microsoft account or work account, or use it without any account.742Microsoft Launcher lets you log in with your personal Microsoft account or work account or use it without any account.
1114To use Microsoft Launcher, the application must be installed on your Android device, and optional permissions are required to enable the following features: Microsoft Copilot .744To use Microsoft Launcher, the application must be installed on your Android device, and permissions are required to enable the following features: Microsoft Copilot .
1118Learn more about Copilot terms of use here .748Glance .
1119Glance Feed .Removed
1121After signing-in with your personal Microsoft account or your work account, the data will be synced across devices signed into the same account to give you personalized experiences.750After signing-in with your personal Microsoft account or your work account, your data will be synced across devices signed into the same account to give you personalized experiences.
1122It also enables you to review recent activities, like recent photos and app usage, which require permissions to access device photos, files, and app usage data.751It also lets you review recent activities, like recent photos and app usage, if you have given Glance permission to access that data.
1126You can manage your ad preferences through the Microsoft privacy dashboard to tailor your experience.755You can manage your ad preferences through the Microsoft privacy dashboard .
1128Microsoft Launcher allows you to receive the latest and most important weather changes on your home screen with MSN Weather.757Microsoft Launcher allows you to receive the latest weather information on your home screen with MSN Weather.
1130Backup and Restore : Easily transfer between phones or try different home screen setups with Microsoft Launcher's backup and restore feature.759Backup and Restore .
1131Backups can be stored locally on your device or saved to your OneDrive account associated with your Microsoft Account for easy access.760Microsoft Launcher's backup and restore feature lets you easily transfer between phones or try different home screen setups.
761Backups can be stored locally on your device or saved to your OneDrive account associated with your Microsoft account for easy access.
1135Back to top Microsoft Teams This section applies to the consumer offering of Teams; if you are using Teams with a school or work account, see the Enterprise and developer products of this privacy statement.765Back to top Microsoft Teams This section applies to the consumer offering of Teams; if you are using Teams with a school or work account, see the Enterprise and developer products section of this privacy statement.
1137Teams lets you stay organized and connected across your entire life.767As part of providing Teams features, Microsoft collects usage data as well as information about your communications, including the time and date of the communication and users that are part of the communication.
1138Teams allows you to call people with voice or video calling.Removed
1139Teams allows you to easily find people, files, photos, conversations, tasks, and calendars in one convenient and secure place.Removed
1140Teams allows you to store confidential information like passwords, rewards numbers, or login information and share it with others within Teams.Removed
1142As part of providing these features, Microsoft collects data about the usage of the features as well as information about your communications, including the time and date of the communication and users that are part of the communication.769Your Teams profile includes information you provided when you set up a Microsoft account, including your display name, email, and/or phone number.
1143Microsoft may share this information with Enterprise customers when you interact through meetings and chats with end users who are using their school or work account.770Your Teams profile information may become visible to other users through your interactions with them or through your use of other apps or services, including Loop.
771Microsoft may also share this information with enterprise customers when you interact through meetings and chats with end users who are using their school or work account.
1145Finding Teams Contacts .773Finding Teams contacts .
1146Your Teams profile includes information you provided when you set up a Microsoft account.Removed
1148Depending on your settings, Teams users can find you by your name, email, and/or phone number.775Depending on your settings, Teams users can find you by your display name, email, and/or phone number.
1149Your profile includes your username, avatar, and any other data you choose to add to your profile or display to others.776Your profile includes your username, profile photo, and any other data you choose to add to your profile or display to others.
1150Your Teams profile may be visible to Enterprise customers and their end users when you engage with an end user of an organization in chats and meetings.777Your Teams profile may be visible to enterprise customers and their end users when you engage with an end user of an organization in chats and meetings.
1151Teams contacts .778Syncing Teams contacts .
1153You are always in control of your contacts and can stop syncing at any time.780If you choose to stop syncing your device or Outlook contacts, or if you are inactive on your device, any contacts that have not been matched during the synchronization process will be deleted from Teams.
1154If you choose to stop syncing your device or Outlook contacts, or you are inactive on your device, any contacts that have not been matched during the synchronization process will be deleted from Teams.Removed
1156You can block users if you do not want to receive their communications; additionally, you can report a concern to Microsoft.Removed
1160Learn more about how we process your information in connection with the contact syncing feature offered to Teams users .785Learn more about contact sync in Teams .
1162As a Teams user, you will be able to block other Teams users if you do not want to receive their communications; additionally, you can report a concern to Microsoft.Removed
1165If you choose to unsync your third-party contacts on Teams, all third-party contacts are deleted from Teams.789You can choose to unsync your third-party contacts on Teams or remove third-party contacts from all Microsoft apps and services.
1166If you gave your consent to use those third-party contacts on other Microsoft apps and services, these contacts will still be available to those other Microsoft apps and services.790Please note that removing a third-party account from Teams may impact your experiences on other Microsoft apps and services that also use that account.
1167You can remove third-party contacts from all Microsoft apps and services by removing third-party accounts from Teams.Removed
1168Please note that removing a third-party account from Teams may impact your experiences on other Microsoft apps and services that also use that third-party account.Removed
1173Location sharing .Removed
1174You can share your static or live location with individuals or groups within Teams.Removed
1175You are in control and can stop sharing at any time.Removed
1176Sharing location for children is permitted with parental consent and in groups where an adult from the Microsoft family group is present.Removed
1178To let you know of incoming calls, chats, and other messages, Teams uses the notification service on your device.796Teams uses the notification service on your device to let you know of incoming calls, chats, and other messages.
1190Back to top OneDrive OneDrive lets you store and access your files on virtually any device.808Back to top Microsoft Translator Microsoft Translator is a machine translation system and service designed to automatically translate between numerous supported languages.
1191You can also share and collaborate on your files with others.809Microsoft Translator is available as a stand-alone consumer app for Android, iOS, and Windows and is also integrated into a variety of Microsoft products and services, such as Translator Hub, Translator for Bing, and Translator for Microsoft Edge.
1192Some versions of the OneDrive application enable you to access both your personal OneDrive by signing in with your personal Microsoft account and your OneDrive for Business by signing in with your work or school Microsoft account as part of your organization's use of Microsoft 365 or Office 365.810Microsoft Translator processes the text, image, and voice data you submit, as well as device and usage data, to provide translations, personalize your experiences, and improve our products and services.
811Microsoft uses business and technical measures designed to help de‑identify submitted data — such as deleting identifiers and certain text like email addresses and some number sequences that could contain personal data — when randomly sampling text and audio for product improvement.
812To learn more about how Microsoft manages your voice data, see Speech recognition technologies .
813Separate Microsoft translation services are available as features in other Microsoft products and services that have different privacy practices than Microsoft Translator.
814For more information on the Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services Translator Text API, Custom Translator, and Translator Speech API, see the Enterprise and developer products section of this privacy statement.
815For the Translate feature in Microsoft 365 apps, see the Productivity and communications products section of this privacy statement.
816Back to top OneDrive OneDrive lets you store and access your files on virtually any device as well as share and collaborate on your files with others.
817Some versions of the OneDrive application enable you to access both your personal OneDrive (by signing in with your personal Microsoft account) and your OneDrive for Business (by signing in with your work or school Microsoft account).
1194Examples include indexing the contents of your OneDrive documents so that you can search for them later and using location information to enable you to search for photos based on where the photo was taken.819For example, we index the contents of your OneDrive documents so that you can search for them later.
1195We also collect device information so we can deliver personalized experiences, such as enabling you to sync content across devices and roam customized settings.820We also collect device information so we can deliver personalized experiences, like enabling you to sync content across devices.
1196When you store content in OneDrive, that content will inherit the sharing permissions of the folder in which you store it.821When you store content in OneDrive, your content will inherit the sharing permissions of the folder it’s stored in.
1197For example, if you decide to store content in the public folder, the content will be public and available to anyone on the internet who can find the folder.822For example, if you store content in a public folder, the content will be public and available to anyone who can find the folder.
1198If you store content in a private folder, the content will be private.823When you share content from your OneDrive account to a social network like Facebook, either your content is uploaded directly to that social network, or a link to that content is posted to that service.
1199When you share content to a social network like Facebook from a device that you have synced with your OneDrive account, your content is either uploaded to that social network, or a link to that content is posted to that social network.Removed
1201To delete the content, you need to delete it from the social network (if it was uploaded there, rather than a link to it) and from OneDrive.825To delete the content, delete it from both the social network (if it was uploaded there) and from OneDrive.
1202When you share your OneDrive content with your friends via a link, an email with the link is sent to those friends.826When you share your OneDrive content with others via a link, an email with the link is sent to them, and allows anyone with the link to access your content.
1203The link contains an authorization code that allows anyone with the link to access your content.827If one of the people who received the link sends it to other people, they will also be able to access your content, even if you did not choose to share the content with them.
1204If one of your friends sends the link to other people, they will also be able to access your content, even if you did not choose to share the content with them.828You can revoke access to your content on OneDrive by signing in to your account and then selecting the specific content to manage the permission levels.
1205To revoke permissions for your content on OneDrive, sign in to your account and then select the specific content to manage the permission levels.829Once permissions are revoked, the link is deactivated and no longer usable unless you reshare it.
1206Revoking permissions for a link effectively deactivates the link.Removed
1207No one will be able to use the link to access the content unless you decide to share the link again.Removed
1209OneDrive for Business collects and transmits personal data for authentication, such as your email address and password, which will be transmitted to Microsoft and/or to the provider of your Microsoft 365 or Office 365 service.831OneDrive for Business collects and transmits personal data for authentication, such as your email address and password, which will be transmitted to Microsoft and/or to the provider of your Microsoft 365 service.
1210Back to top Outlook Outlook products are designed to improve your productivity through improved communications and include Outlook.com, Outlook applications, and related services.832Back to top Outlook Outlook.com .
1211Outlook.com .Removed
1216When the Deleted Items folder is emptied, those emptied items remain in our system for up to 30 days before final deletion, unless we are legally required to retain the data for longer.837When the Deleted Items folder is emptied, those items remain in our system for up to 30 days before final deletion, unless we are legally required to retain the data for longer.
1219You can use multiple accounts from different providers, including third-party providers, with Outlook applications, including the new Outlook for Windows app .840You can use Outlook applications like the Outlook for Windows app across multiple accounts, even accounts from third-party providers.
1220To add an account, you must provide permission for Outlook to access data from the email or file storage services.841To add an account to your Outlook applications, you must provide permission for Outlook to access data from the email or file storage services.
1221When you add an account to Outlook, your mail, calendar items, files, contacts, settings and other data from that account will automatically sync to your device.842When you add an account to Outlook, your emails, calendar, files, contacts, settings, and other data automatically sync to your device.
1222If you are using the mobile Outlook application, that data will also sync to Microsoft servers to enable additional features such as faster search, personalized filtering of less important mail, and an ability to add email attachments from linked file storage providers without leaving the Outlook application.843On the mobile Outlook app, this data also syncs to Microsoft servers to enable enhanced features like improved search and personalized mail filtering.
1223If you are using the desktop Outlook application, you can choose whether to allow the data to sync to our servers.844On desktop, you can choose whether to sync your data to Microsoft servers.
1224At any time, you can remove an account or make changes to the data that is synced from your account.845You can remove accounts or change sync settings at any time.
1225If you add an account provided by an organization (such as your employer or school), the owner of the organizational domain can implement policies and controls (for example, requiring multi-factor authentication or the ability to remotely wipe data from your device) that can affect your use of Outlook.846If you add a work or school account, your organization can set rules and controls — like requiring multi-factor authentication or remotely erasing data on your device — that can affect how you use Outlook.
1227For Outlook clients that support it, the user can dictate the contents of an email and send using the Dictate feature.848For Outlook clients that support it, you can use the Dictate feature to dictate the contents of and send an email.
1228The Dictate feature may be configured to use the device’s microphone or any other microphone that a user may connect to their device, like a microphone-enabled pair of headphones.849You can Dictate with your device’s microphone or any other microphone you connect to your device.
1233As part of providing these features, Microsoft collects usage data about your communications that includes the time and date of the communication and the numbers or user names that are part of the communication.854As part of providing these features, Microsoft collects usage data about your calls, including the time and date and the numbers or user names that are part of the calls.
1236If you log into Teams via your Skype credentials, you can use Teams to chat with and call other Teams users, and you can access your Skype missed calls and chat history through Teams.857If you log into Teams via your Skype credentials, you can use Teams to chat with and call other Teams users.
1241Partner companies .Removed
1242We partner with other companies to allow Skype to be offered via those companies’ services.Removed
1243If you use Skype through a company other than Microsoft, that company’s privacy policy governs how it handles your data.Removed
1244To comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, or to help our partner company or local operator comply or respond, we may access, transfer, disclose, and preserve your data.Removed
1245That data could include, for example, your private content, such as the content of your instant messages, stored video messages, voicemails, or file transfers.Removed
1246Skype Manager .Removed
1247Skype Manager lets you manage a group’s (such as your family’s) Skype usage from one central place.Removed
1248When you set up a group, you will be the Skype Manager Administrator and can see the patterns of usage, including detailed information, like traffic data and details of purchases, of other members of the group who have consented to such access.Removed
1249If you add information like your name, other people in the group will be able to see it.Removed
1250Members of the group can withdraw consent for Skype Manager by visiting their Skype account page .Removed
1253As part of that experience, Microsoft collects certain diagnostic data, as described below.Removed
1256Diagnostic data can include information about crashes, performance, and usage of Surface products.866For more information, see the Diagnostic data section of this privacy statement, Diagnostic data for Surface products and Diagnostic data in the Surface app .
1257The data that is sent to Microsoft is used to help keep Surface secure, up to date, and performing as expected and can help us make other improvements to Surface.Removed
1258There are two levels of diagnostic and activity data: Required diagnostic data and Optional diagnostic data.Removed
1259Required diagnostic data is the minimum amount of data that we need to help keep Surface devices, Surface accessories, and the Surface application secure, up-to-date, and performing as expected.Removed
1260Optional diagnostic data is additional diagnostic and usage data about your Surface devices, Surface accessories, and the Surface application.Removed
1261If you choose to send optional diagnostic data to Microsoft, required diagnostic data is also included.Removed
1262Required diagnostic data is always sent to Microsoft for all Surface devices, Surface accessories, and the Surface application.Removed
1263But you can choose whether to allow Surface to collect optional diagnostic data and send it to Microsoft.Removed
1264You can make that choice when you first set up your Surface device or change the setting at any time in the Surface app.Removed
1265For more information, see Diagnostic data for Surface products and Diagnostic data in the Surface app .Removed
1267Back to top Surface Duo The Surface Duo is a device featuring two screens that fits in your pocket for productivity on the go.868Back to top Surface Duo Surface Duo supports cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity and can be used for email, internet browsing, games, and business connectivity.
1268Powered by the Google Android operating system, Surface Duo supports cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity and can be used for email, internet browsing, games, and business connectivity.869Microsoft provides a core Surface Duo experience that runs on the Google Android operating system.
1269Microsoft provides a core Surface Duo experience that runs on the Android operating system.Removed
1271You can sign in with a Google ID and enable various Google services; you can then also sign in with your Microsoft account (MSA) and enable Microsoft’s services.871You can sign in with a Google ID and enable various Google services; you can then also sign in with your Microsoft account and enable Microsoft services.
1278There are two levels of diagnostic data: Required diagnostic data and Optional diagnostic data.878See the Diagnostic data section of this privacy statement for more information.
1279Required .Removed
1280The minimum data necessary to help keep the core Surface Duo experience secure, up to date, and performing as expected.Removed
1281Optional .Removed
1282Additional data that helps us make product improvements and provides enhanced information to help Microsoft detect, diagnose, and remediate issues.Removed
1285Surface Duo relies on Google location services to determine the device’s precise geographic location to display the local weather.881Surface Duo uses Google location services for determining your device’s precise geographic location to provide you with enhanced experiences such as to show you your local weather.
1286The location of your Surface Duo can be determined with varying degrees of accuracy and may in some cases be determined precisely.882To allow Microsoft apps to access location-based features, you must enable location services for both Google and Microsoft .
1287If you want Microsoft apps to be able to reference or display weather or other location related information, you need to enable Google location services and Microsoft location access.883Some apps may require you to enable these settings separately within the Surface Duo’s Settings.
1288Some apps may require these settings be enabled independently for the app and can be set or changed in the Surface Duo’s Settings.Removed
1291Microsoft apps included with the Surface Duo .886Back to top SwiftKey The Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard and related cloud-based services (collectively, “SwiftKey”) process data about words you use and how you type.
1292The diagnostic data options for the core Surface Duo experience are configured when you initially set up your Surface Duo and can be changed in the Surface Duo’s Settings under the Diagnostic Data section.887Microsoft uses this data to learn your writing style, and to provide personalized autocorrection and predictive text that adapts to you.
1293The other Microsoft apps on your Surface Duo may prompt you to enable functionality to enable the full experience of the app or you may be asked to allow optional diagnostic data collection.888We also use this data to offer a range of other features, such as emoji predictions.
1294You can change the settings for these apps in the Surface Duo Settings under the app name.889SwiftKey prediction technology learns and reflects your writing style by analyzing the words and phrases you use most often across various apps and websites creating a personalized language model to optimize text predictions.
1295More information about these apps is available in the Productivity and communications products and Search and Browse sections of this Privacy Statement.890The keyboard avoids collecting sensitive information by excluding data from certain fields like passwords or payment details.
891When you opt in to share with us, SwiftKey collects device and usage data and uses de-identified device data, usage data, and model data to analyze service performance and improve products.
892You can also choose to share your SwiftKey language and typing data to help improve Microsoft products and services.
893If you opt in, SwiftKey may send short, de-identified snippets of what and how you type, along with related correction data to our servers for processing.
894These text snippets are used in automated processes to validate prediction services and enhance product features.
895To protect your privacy, these snippets are never linked to your SwiftKey account.
896You can manage your choices at any time in SwiftKey Settings.
897SwiftKey includes an optional OneDrive backup component.
898If you turn on backup and sync, SwiftKey saves your language model and related data to OneDrive, allowing you to use your personalized prediction synchronization, additional services, and settings across all your devices.
899You must sign in with a Microsoft account to enable OneDrive backup and sync.
900Data in OneDrive is protected by OneDrive’s security controls, including encryption in transit and at rest.
901You can turn backup off at any time in SwiftKey Settings and manage or delete SwiftKey data in your OneDrive.
902When you use the camera feature in SwiftKey, you can choose to apply Augmented Reality (AR) effects to your selfies through third-party lens services.
903The lens feature processes your video and images to extract information about the location of your face and hands, solely for the purpose of transforming your appearance with AR effects.
904This session-based data is processed only on your device, is not used to personally identify you, is deleted immediately after use, and is never sent to SwiftKey or any third party.
1298For more information on artificial intelligence and Copilot capabilities in Microsoft’s search products, please see Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Copilot capabilities section above.907For more information on artificial intelligence and Copilot capabilities in Microsoft’s search and browse products, please see Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Copilot capabilities above.
1300For more information on artificial intelligence and Copilot capabilities in Microsoft’s search products, please see Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Copilot capabilities section above.909For more information on artificial intelligence and Copilot capabilities in Microsoft’s search and browse products, please see Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Copilot capabilities above.
1303Bing services are also included within other Microsoft services, such as Microsoft 365, and certain features in Windows (which we refer to as Bing-powered experiences).912Bing services are also included within other Microsoft services, such as Microsoft 365, and certain features in Windows – we refer to these as Bing-powered experiences.
1304When you conduct a search, or use a feature of a Bing-powered experience that involves conducting a search or entering a command on your behalf, Microsoft will collect the searches or commands you provide (which may be in the form of text, voice data, or an image), along with your IP address, location, the unique identifiers contained in our cookies or similar technologies, the time and date of your search, and your browser configuration.913When you conduct a search, or use a feature of a Bing-powered experience that involves you conducting a search or entering a command, we will use that data (which could take the form of text, voice data, or an image), along with your IP address, location, the unique identifiers contained in our cookies or similar technologies, the time and date of your search, and your browser configuration to complete the task you’ve requested.
1305For example, if you use Bing voice-enabled services, your voice input and performance data associated with the speech functionality will be sent to Microsoft.914If you use Bing voice-enabled services, your voice input and the performance data associated with the speech functionality will be sent to Microsoft.
1306To learn more about how Microsoft manages your voice data, see Speech recognition technologies .915Learn more about how we use and protect voice data in speech recognition technologies .
1307And, if you use Bing image-enabled services, the image you provide will be sent to Microsoft.916Copilot Search .
1308When you use Bing-powered experiences, such as Bing Lookup to search a particular word or phrase within a webpage or document, that word or phrase is sent to Bing along with some surrounding content in order to provide contextually relevant search results.Removed
1309Copilot search .Removed
1314For the search suggestions feature, the characters that you type into a Bing-powered experience (such as search and site suggestions in the Microsoft Edge browser) to conduct a search and what you click on will be sent to Microsoft.921The search suggestions feature allows us to provide you with relevant suggestions as you type your searches.
1315This allows us to provide you with relevant suggestions as you type your searches.922To provide this feature, Microsoft collects the characters that you type and what you click on.
1316To turn this feature on or off, while using Bing Search, go to Bing Settings .923To turn this feature on or off in Bing, go to Bing Settings .
1317There are other methods to control this feature in other Bing-powered experiences, such as the Microsoft Edge browser.924In the Microsoft Edge browser, go to Edge Settings to turn off search suggestions.
1318Search Suggestions cannot be turned off in the search box in Windows 10 and Windows 11.925Search suggestions cannot be turned off in the search box in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
1319If you choose, you can always hide the search box or icon on the taskbar.Removed
1321If you are using Bing Desktop or Bing Toolbar and choose to participate in the Bing Experience Improvement Program, we also collect additional data about how you use these specific Bing apps, such as the addresses of the websites you visit, to help improve search ranking and relevance.927If you are using Bing Desktop or Bing Toolbar and choose to participate in the Bing Experience Improvement Program, we also collect additional data about how you use these specific Bing apps, including the addresses of the websites you visit, to help improve search ranking and relevance.
1322To help protect your privacy, we do not use the data collected through the Bing Experience Improvement Program to identify or contact you or target advertising to you.928We do not use the data collected through the Bing Experience Improvement Program to identify or contact you or to personalize advertising.
1324Finally, we delete the information collected through the Bing Experience Improvement Program after 18 months.930We delete the information collected through the Bing Experience Improvement Program after 18 months.
1326Some Bing services provide you with an enhanced experience when you sign in with your personal Microsoft account, for example, syncing your search history across devices.932Bing provides you with an enhanced experience when you sign in with your personal Microsoft account, including syncing your search history across devices, customizing your interests, favorites, and settings, and connecting your account with third-party services.
1327You can use these personalization features to customize your interests, favorites, and settings, and to connect your account with third-party services.933Visit Bing Settings to manage your personalization settings.
1328Visit Bing Settings to manage your personalization settings, or the Microsoft privacy dashboard to manage your data.Removed
1330When you’re signed-in to a personal Microsoft account, you can erase your search and chat history on the Microsoft privacy dashboard .935When you’re signed in with your personal Microsoft account, you can manage your Bing search history on the Microsoft privacy dashboard or through Bing Settings.
1331The Search History service from Bing, located in Bing Settings, provides another method of revisiting the search terms you've entered and results you've clicked when using Bing search through your browser.936These tools allow you to review and clear your search terms and clicked results from Bing.
1332You may clear your search history on a device through this service.937Clearing your history in Bing removes it from your search history, but does not delete information from our search logs, which are retained and de-identified as described above or based on your privacy dashboard instructions.
1333The conversations you have with Microsoft Copilot in Bing are also remembered as “Recent activity”.Removed
1334The history of previous Recent activities is saved, with the names of chats based by default on the first query of the chat.Removed
1335Your Recent activity is displayed on the right-hand side of the chat window when you are using the service.Removed
1336Clearing your history prevents that history from being displayed in your Search History or chat history, but does not delete information from our search logs, which are retained and de-identified as described above or as you have instructed through the privacy dashboard.Removed
1337If you are signed-in to a work or school Microsoft account using Microsoft Search in Bing, you can export your Microsoft Search in Bing search history, but you cannot delete it.Removed
1338Your Microsoft Search in Bing service administrator can see aggregated search history across all enterprise users but cannot see specific searches by user.Removed
1340You may access Bing-powered experiences when using third-party services, such as those from Yahoo!.939You may also access Bing-powered experiences when using third-party services.
1342This data will be sent to Microsoft to provide the search service.941We will use this data as described in this statement or as further limited by our contractual obligations with our partners.
1343Microsoft will use this data as described in this statement or as further limited by our contractual obligations with our partners.942Please refer to the privacy policies of the third-party services for any questions about how these third parties collect and use your data.
1344You should refer to the privacy policies of the third-party services for any questions about how they collect and use data.Removed
1346When you select a search result or advertisement from a Bing search results page and go to the destination website, the destination website will receive the standard data your browser sends to every web site you visit—such as your IP address, browser type and language, and the host name of the site you came from (in this case, https://www.bing.com/ ).944When you select a search result or advertisement from a Bing search results page and go to the destination website, the destination website will receive the standard data your browser sends to every web site you visit—such as your IP address, browser type and language, and the host name of the site you came from.
1348We share some de-identified data (data where the identity of a specific person is not known) from Bing and Bing-powered experiences with selected third parties.946We share some de-identified data from Bing and Bing-powered experiences with selected third parties.
1350Additionally, we require these third parties to keep the data secure and to not use the data for purposes other than for which it is provided.948We require these third parties to keep the data secure and to not use the data for purposes other than for which it is provided.
1351Back to top Microsoft Edge Whenever you use a web browser to access the internet, data about your device ("standard device data") is sent to the websites you visit and online services you use.949Back to top Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge is the default web browser for Windows and is also available on other supported versions of Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.
1352Standard device data includes your device's IP address, browser type and language, access times, and referring website addresses.950Microsoft collects data that is necessary to provide features you request in Microsoft Edge.
1353This data might be logged on those websites' or online services’ web servers.951Data about how you use your browser, such as your browsing history, web form data, temporary internet files, and cookies, are stored on your device.
1354Which data is logged and how that data is used depends on the privacy practices of the websites you visit and web services you use.952Edge can also store your passwords on your device in Password Manager.
1355Certain features in Microsoft Edge, such as when you open a new tab in the browser, connect you to Microsoft Start Content and your experiences with such content is covered by the Microsoft Start section of this privacy statement.953You can delete this data from your device in Edge settings.
1356Additionally, Microsoft Edge sends a unique browser ID to certain websites to enable us to develop aggregate data used to improve browser features and services.954Keep in mind that whenever you use a web browser to access the internet, standard data about your device—like your IP address, browser type and language, access times, and referring website addresses—is sent to the websites you visit and online services you use.
1357Microsoft Edge for Windows, Linux, and macOS .955Those websites and services may log that data on their servers.
1358Microsoft Edge is the default web browser for Windows 10 and later and is also available on other supported versions of Windows and macOS.956Which data they log and how they use that data depends on the privacy practices of the websites you visit and web services you use.
1359Data about how you use your browser, such as your browsing history, web form data, temporary internet files, and cookies, is stored on your device.957Microsoft Edge collects diagnostic data to keep the service up to date, secure, and operating properly.
1360You can delete this data from your device using Clear Browsing History.958You can also choose to send optional diagnostic data—including usage information, browsing history, information about websites you visit, and search terms—to help enhance Microsoft Edge and other Microsoft products and services.
1361Microsoft Edge allows you to capture and save content on your device, such as: Settings and More .959The diagnostic data collected by Microsoft Edge is stored with one or more unique identifiers that help us recognize an individual browser installation on a device and understand the browser’s service issues and use patterns.
1362Allows you to manage your favorites, downloads, history, extensions, and collections.960Please see the Diagnostic data section of the privacy statement for more.
1363Collections .961When you allow it, Microsoft Edge collects and uses data from your search activity across the web, including websites Microsoft does not own or operate, to improve Microsoft services.
1364Allows you to collect text, images, videos, and other content in a note page in your browser.962This data may include your search queries, the search results and your interactions with those results (like the links you click), and demographic information that is part of the search results.
1365When you drag content into your collection, it is cached on your device and can be deleted through your collection.963Microsoft Edge de-identifies this data and retains it for one year.
1366Website Pin to Taskbar .964Microsoft does not use this collected data to personalize or provide ads to you.
1367Allows you to pin your favorite websites to the Windows taskbar.965You can turn off this data collection in your Edge settings.
1368Websites will be able to see which of their webpages you have pinned, so they can provide you a notification badge letting you know there is something new for you to check out on their websites.966Syncing across devices .
1369Microsoft collects data necessary to provide features you request in Microsoft Edge.967When you sign into Microsoft Edge using your Microsoft account, Microsoft Edge will store your privacy preferences and apply these settings across your signed-in devices, including during Windows device setup or when you sign into Microsoft Edge with your account on a new device.
1370When signed into Microsoft Edge using your Microsoft personal account or work or school account, Microsoft Edge will sync your browser data saved on your device across other signed-in devices.968Microsoft Edge can sync your browser data—including your favorites, browsing history, extensions and associated data, settings, open tabs, autofill form entries (like your name, address, and phone number), passwords, and payment information—across your signed in devices.
1371You may choose which browser data to sync, including your favorites, browsing history, extensions and associated data, settings, open tabs, autofill form entries (such as your name, address, and phone number), passwords, payment information, and other data types as they become available.969You can control which data to sync in Edge settings.
1372If you choose to sync extensions that you acquired from third-party web stores, a copy of those extensions will be downloaded directly from those web stores on your synced device(s).970If you delete browser data while synced, you will delete the data across all signed-in devices.
1373If you have turned on Password Monitor, your saved credentials are hashed, encrypted and sent to Microsoft’s Password Monitor service to warn you if your credentials were detected as part of a malicious attack or a breach.971If you choose to sync extensions that you acquired from third-party web stores, a copy of those extensions will be downloaded directly to your synced device(s).
1374Microsoft does not retain this data after the check is complete.972Personalization .
1375You can disable or configure syncing in the Microsoft Edge settings.973You may also choose to share your Microsoft Edge browsing activity with us to allow us to personalize Microsoft Edge and other Microsoft services like ads, Bing, Shopping, MSN, and Copilot.
1376When you sign into Microsoft Edge with your Microsoft personal account or work or school account, Microsoft Edge will store your account’s privacy preferences.974Browsing activity includes your browse history, favorites, usage data, and web content.
1377Microsoft Edge will use the stored preferences to migrate your account’s privacy choices across your signed-in devices, including during Windows device set up or when you sign into Microsoft Edge with your account on a new device.975You can stop sharing your Microsoft Edge browsing activity within Edge settings.
1378Microsoft Edge’s Search and site suggestions uses your search queries and browsing history to provide you with faster browsing and more relevant search recommendations.976The See ads that interest you setting on the Microsoft privacy dashboard lets you control the use of your browsing activity for personalized ads.
1379Microsoft Edge sends the information you type into the browser address bar to the default search provider configured in the address bar to offer search recommendations as you type each character.977For more information about our advertising practices, see the Advertising section of this privacy statement.
1380You can turn off these features at any time in the browser settings.978If you have turned on Microsoft’s Password Monitor , your saved credentials are hashed, encrypted, and sent to the Password Monitor service so that we can warn you if your credentials were detected in a malicious attack or a breach.
1381In order to provide search results, Microsoft Edge sends your search queries, standard device information, and location (if you have location enabled) to your default search provider.979We do not retain this data after the check is complete.
980Microsoft Edge’s Search and site suggestions feature uses your search queries and browsing history to provide faster and more relevant browse recommendations.
981As you type in the address bar, Microsoft Edge sends your search queries, standard device data, and location (if enabled) to your default search provider for real-time suggestions and search results.
982You can disable these features in Edge settings.
1383Microsoft Edge collects and uses data from your search activity across the web, including websites Microsoft does not own or operate, to improve Microsoft services, such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Bing and Microsoft News.984Copilot in Edge collects and processes data in order to provide the services requested, including text that has been typed, voice data, and uploaded files.
1384This data may include the search query, the search results that are displayed to you, demographic information that is part of the search results, and the interaction you have with those search results, such as the links you click.985When using Copilot features in Microsoft Edge, you can choose to allow Microsoft Copilot in Edge to access your browsing activity, including screenshots of webpages you visit, open tabs, and browsing history to provide better answers and enable advanced Copilot features.
1385Microsoft Edge takes steps to de-identify the data it collects by removing data that identifies the person or device from which it was collected and retains this data for one year from when it is collected.986You can manage Copilot in Edge choices in Edge settings.
1386Microsoft does not use this collected data to personalize or provide ads to you.987If you choose to use features that perform tasks on your behalf, Copilot will capture visual snapshots of the pages it visits to interact with and complete the action.
1387You can turn off the collection of this data at any time in the browser settings.988Microsoft Edge’s use of data connected with Copilot experiences is consistent with the Copilot data use described in the Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Copilot capabilities section of this privacy statement.
1388Microsoft Edge downloads content from Microsoft services to enhance your browsing experiences; for example, when data is downloaded to prerender site content for faster browsing or to provide content required to power features you choose to use, such as providing templates for Collections.989Certain features in Microsoft Edge connect you to MSN content, such as when you open a new tab in the browser.
1389You may also choose to share your Microsoft Edge browsing activity to allow us to personalize Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, shopping, and news.990Data use in MSN is covered by the MSN section of this privacy statement.
1390Microsoft Edge browsing activity includes your history, favorites, usage data, web content, and other browsing data.Removed
1391For more information about our advertising privacy policies see the Advertising section of the privacy statement.Removed
1392In the Microsoft privacy dashboard you can control the use of your browsing activity for personalized ads in the See ads that interest you setting.Removed
1393If you disable this setting in the Microsoft privacy dashboard you will continue to receive personalized web experiences like search and news based on your browsing activity.Removed
1394You may stop sharing your Microsoft Edge browsing activity by disabling Allow Microsoft to use your browsing activity including history, favorites, usage and other browsing data to personalize Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, shopping and news within Edge settings.Removed
1395When using Copilot features in the Microsoft Edge sidebar, you can choose to allow Microsoft Copilot in Edge to access the content of the webpage you are viewing in order to provide further insights, such as page summaries.Removed
1396Use of data connected with Copilot experiences is consistent with the Copilot data use described in the Bing section of this privacy statement.Removed
1397Microsoft Edge collects required diagnostic data to solve problems and to keep Microsoft Edge up to date, secure, and operating properly.Removed
1398Required diagnostic data also helps us improve Microsoft Edge and Windows.Removed
1399Separate from your search activity data mentioned above, you can choose to send optional diagnostic data about how you use Microsoft Edge and information about your browser activity, including browsing history and search terms to Microsoft to help us improve Microsoft Edge and other Microsoft products and services.Removed
1400For Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and later, this information is provided when you have enabled optional diagnostic data.Removed
1401For details, see the Windows Diagnostics section of the privacy statement.Removed
1402For Microsoft Edge on other operating systems, optional diagnostic information is provided when you enable Improve Microsoft products by sending data about how you use the browser or Make searches and Microsoft products better by sending info about websites you visit in Microsoft Edge in the browser settings.Removed
1403The diagnostic data collected by Microsoft Edge is transmitted to Microsoft and is stored with one or more unique identifiers that help us recognize an individual browser installation on a device and understand the browser's service issues and use patterns.Removed
1405Microsoft Edge on iOS and Android .992View Summary Learn more Back to top Windows Windows is a personalized computing environment that enables you to seamlessly roam and access services, preferences, and content.
1406Microsoft Edge on iOS and Android devices collects data necessary to provide features you request in Microsoft Edge.993In order to provide this cloud-based computing experience, and keep it secure and up to date, we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows.
1407Microsoft also collects required diagnostic data to solve problems and to keep Microsoft Edge up to date, secure, and operating properly.994We also provide you with optional features like personalized tips, ads, and recommendations.
1408Required diagnostic data also helps us improve Microsoft Edge.995Windows gives you choices about the personal data we collect and how we use it.
1409Additionally, you may share optional diagnostic data about how you use Microsoft Edge and information about websites you visit (browsing history) for personalized experiences on your browser, Windows, and other Microsoft products and services.996If your device is managed by an organization (such as your employer or school), your organization may use centralized management tools to access and process your data, and to control device settings, devices, software updates, and data collection.
1410This information also helps us improve Microsoft Edge and other Microsoft products and services.997For more details about Windows features and how Windows uses data — including privacy controls, Windows Search, speech recognition, location services, sync and backup, security, Windows apps, AI, and more — see Learn More below.
1411This optional diagnostic data is sent to us when you enable Share usage data for personalization or Share info about websites you visit in the browser settings.998This statement discusses Windows 10 and Windows 11; earlier versions of Windows are subject to their own privacy statements.
1412The diagnostic data collected by Microsoft Edge is transmitted to Microsoft and is stored with one or more unique identifiers that help us recognize an individual user on a device and understand the browser's service issues and use patterns.999Windows is a personalized computing environment that enables you to seamlessly roam and access services, preferences, and content across your computing devices.
1413Microsoft Edge uses data from your search activity across the web, including search activity on websites Microsoft does not own or operate, to improve Microsoft services like Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Bing, and Microsoft News.1000Key components of Windows are cloud-based, and both cloud and local elements of Windows are updated regularly, providing you with the latest improvements and features.
1414The data Microsoft Edge collects may include personal data; however, Microsoft Edge takes steps to scrub and de-identify the data.1001To provide this computing experience, we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows.
1415Microsoft Edge does not use this data to personalize or provide ads for you.Removed
1416You can turn off the collection of this data at any time in the browser settings.Removed
1417Learn more about Search results data for product improvement .Removed
1418For information about the privacy practices of legacy versions Microsoft Edge (versions 44 and below), see the Web browsers—Microsoft Edge Legacy and Internet Explorer section of the privacy statement.Removed
1419Back to top Microsoft Translator Microsoft Translator is a machine translation system and service designed to automatically translate text and voice input between numerous supported languages.Removed
1420Microsoft Translator is made available as a stand-alone consumer app for Android, iOS, and Windows and its service capabilities are also integrated in a variety of Microsoft products and services, such as Translator Hub, Translator for Bing, and Translator for Microsoft Edge.Removed
1421Microsoft Translator processes the text, image, and voice data you submit, as well as device and usage data.Removed
1422We use this data to provide Microsoft Translator, personalize your experiences, and improve our products and services.Removed
1423Microsoft has implemented business and technical measures designed to help de-identify the data you submit to Microsoft Translator.Removed
1424For example, when we randomly sample text and audio to improve Microsoft Translator and Microsoft’s speech recognition technologies, we delete identifiers and certain text, such as email addresses and some number sequences, detected in the sample that could contain personal data.Removed
1425To learn more about how Microsoft manages your voice data, see Speech recognition technologies .Removed
1426Separate from Microsoft Translator, Microsoft translation services are available as features in other Microsoft products and services that have different privacy practices than Microsoft Translator.Removed
1427For more information on the Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services Translator Text API, Custom Translator, and Translator Speech API, see the Enterprise and developer products section of this privacy statement.Removed
1428For the Translate feature in Microsoft 365 apps, see the Productivity and communications products section of this privacy statement.Removed
1429Back to top SwiftKey The Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard and related cloud-based services (collectively, the “SwiftKey Services”) process data about words you use and how you type and use this data to learn your writing style and provide personalized autocorrection and predictive text that adapts to you.Removed
1430We also use this data to offer a range of other features, such as emoji predictions.Removed
1431SwiftKey prediction technology learns from the way you use language to build a personalized language model.Removed
1432This model is an optimized view of the words and phrases that you use most often in context and reflects your unique writing style.Removed
1433The model itself contains the words you commonly type arranged in a way that enables SwiftKey’s algorithms to make predictions, based on text you have already entered.Removed
1434The model draws from all scenarios in which you use your keyboard, including when you type while using apps or visiting websites.Removed
1435The SwiftKey keyboard and model attempt to avoid collecting sensitive data, by not collecting data from certain fields such as those recognized as containing password or payment data.Removed
1436When you use SwiftKey Services, we also collect and use de-identified device and usage data to analyze service performance and help improve our products.Removed
1437The SwiftKey Services also include an optional OneDrive backup component.Removed
1438If you turn on backup and sync, SwiftKey saves your language model and related data to OneDrive, allowing you to use your personalized prediction synchronization, additional services, and settings across all your devices.Removed
1439You have to sign in with a Microsoft account to enable OneDrive backup and sync.Removed
1440Data in OneDrive is protected by OneDrive’s security controls, including encryption in transit and at rest.Removed
1441You can turn backup off at any time in SwiftKey Settings and you can manage or delete the backed‑up SwiftKey data in your OneDrive.Removed
1442As part of your SwiftKey Services, you may also opt in to share your language and/or typing data for the purposes of improving Microsoft products and services.Removed
1443If you opt-in, SwiftKey may send short snippets of data about what and how you type and related correction data to our servers for processing.Removed
1444These text snippets are used in various automated processes to validate that our prediction services are working correctly and to make product improvements.Removed
1445To preserve your privacy, SwiftKey Services de-identify these text snippets, and even if you sign in using a Microsoft Account, these text snippets will not be linked to it.Removed
1446You can withdraw your consent to share your language and typing data for product improvement at any time in SwiftKey Settings.Removed
1447You may receive occasional notifications on your device alerting you to product updates and features that may be of interest to you.Removed
1448You can disable these notifications at any time in the SwiftKey Settings.Removed
1449When you use the camera feature in SwiftKey, you can choose to enhance your video and images with third party lens services.Removed
1450Lens is a feature that uses Augmented Reality (AR) to transform your selfies in a fun way, such as making you look like your favorite animal.Removed
1451Using the camera in SwiftKey keyboard, you can select the lens feature that is incorporated in the keyboard to transform your face and hands.Removed
1452Depending on which lens you choose, your video and images may be processed to extract information about the location of different areas on your face and hands.Removed
1453The extracted data is used for the sole purpose of applying AR effects to your face and hands.Removed
1454None of this data is used to personally identify you.Removed
1455This data is processed for the duration of the session on your device only, and then deleted immediately.Removed
1456This data is not sent to SwiftKey or any third party.Removed
1457View Summary Learn more Back to top Windows Windows is a personalized computing environment that enables you to seamlessly roam and access services, preferences, and content across your computing devices from phones to tablets to the Surface Hub.Removed
1458Rather than residing as a static software program on your device, key components of Windows are cloud-based, and both cloud and local elements of Windows are updated regularly, providing you with the latest improvements and features.Removed
1459In order to provide this computing experience, we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows.Removed
1461Note that if your Windows device is managed by your organization (such as your employer or school), your organization may use centralized management tools provided by Microsoft or others to access and process your data and to control device settings (including privacy settings), device policies, software updates, data collection by us or the organization, or other aspects of your device.1003If your Windows device is managed by your organization, your organization may use centralized management tools provided by Microsoft or others to access and process your data (including your interaction data, diagnostic data, and the contents of your communications and files), and to control device settings (including privacy settings), device policies, software updates, data collection by us or the organization, or other aspects of your device.
1462Additionally, your organization may use management tools provided by Microsoft or others to access and process your data from that device, including your interaction data, diagnostic data, and the contents of your communications and files.1004Windows Settings , formerly known as PC Settings, is an essential component of Microsoft Windows, and offers a convenient interface for adjusting user preferences, configuring the operating system, and managing connected devices so that you can manage user accounts, adjust network settings, and personalize various aspects of Windows.
1463The Windows Settings , formerly known as PC Settings, is an essential component of Microsoft Windows.1005Windows Settings also allows you to manage which apps can access various device capabilities such as the device’s camera, microphone, location, calendar, contacts, call history, messages and more, while controlling access to your personal data.
1464It provides a convenient interface for adjusting user preferences, configuring the operating system, and managing connected devices so that you can manage user accounts, adjust network settings, and personalize various aspects of Windows.1006Each capability has its own privacy settings page in Windows Settings, so you can control which apps can use each capability.
1465Windows provides a mechanism for apps to access various device capabilities such as the device’s camera, microphone, location, calendar, contacts, call history, messages and more, while controlling access to your personal data.1007Key features of Settings include: Customization: Personalize Windows appearance, language, and privacy settings, including using device features like the microphone, camera, and location.
1466Each capability has its own privacy settings page in Windows settings, so you can control which apps can use each capability.1008Peripheral Management: Install and manage devices such as printers, monitors, and external drives.
1467Here are some key features of Settings: Customization: You can personalize various aspects of Windows, including the look and feel, language settings, and privacy options.1009Network Configuration: Adjust Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular and VPN settings, using relevant device identifiers.
1468Windows settings uses your microphone when controlling the volume, camera when using integrated camera and location to change brightness at night time to help you customize your Windows.1010Account Management: Add or remove user accounts and manage sign-in options.
1469Peripheral Management: Install and manage peripherals such as printers, monitors, and external drives.1011System-Level Options: Configure display, notifications, power, and manage installed apps and more.
1470Network Configuration: Adjust networking settings, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular and VPN connections and will use physical MAC address, IMEI and mobile number if device supports cellular.1012Privacy & Security Management: Set privacy preferences such as location and collection of diagnostic data.
1471Account Management: Add or remove user accounts, change account settings, and manage sign-in options.Removed
1472System-Level Options: Configure display settings, notifications, power options, manage list of installed apps and more.Removed
1473Privacy & security management: configure your privacy preferences such as location, collection of diagnostic data etc.Removed
1477Earlier versions of Windows (including Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1) are subject to their own privacy statements.1016Earlier versions of Windows are subject to their own privacy statements.
1478Windows is a personalized computing environment that enables you to seamlessly roam and access services, preferences, and content across your computing devices from phones to tablets to the Surface Hub.Removed
1479Rather than residing as a static software program on your device, key components of Windows are cloud-based, and both cloud and local elements of Windows are updated regularly, providing you with the latest improvements and features.Removed
1480In order to provide this computing experience, we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows.Removed
1481And because Windows is personal to you, we give you choices about the personal data we collect and how we use it.Removed
1482Note that if your Windows device is managed by your organization (such as your employer or school), your organization may use centralized management tools provided by Microsoft or others to access and process your data and to control device settings (including privacy settings), device policies, software updates, data collection by us or the organization, or other aspects of your device.Removed
1483Additionally, your organization may use management tools provided by Microsoft or others to access and process your data from that device, including your interaction data, diagnostic data, and the contents of your communications and files.Removed
1484The Windows Settings , formerly known as PC Settings, is an essential component of Microsoft Windows.Removed
1485It provides a convenient interface for adjusting user preferences, configuring the operating system, and managing connected devices so that you can manage user accounts, adjust network settings, and personalize various aspects of Windows.Removed
1486Windows provides a mechanism for apps to access various device capabilities such as the device’s camera, microphone, location, calendar, contacts, call history, messages and more, while controlling access to your personal data.Removed
1487Each capability has its own privacy settings page in Windows settings, so you can control which apps can use each capability.Removed
1488Here are some key features of Settings: Customization: You can personalize various aspects of Windows, including the look and feel, language settings, and privacy options.Removed
1489Windows settings uses your microphone when controlling the volume, camera when using integrated camera and location to change brightness at night time to help you customize your Windows.Removed
1490Peripheral Management: Install and manage peripherals such as printers, monitors, and external drives.Removed
1491Network Configuration: Adjust networking settings, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular and VPN connections and will use physical MAC address, IMEI and mobile number if device supports cellular.Removed
1492Account Management: Add or remove user accounts, change account settings, and manage sign-in options.Removed
1493System-Level Options: Configure display settings, notifications, power options, manage list of installed apps and more.Removed
1494Privacy & security management: configure your privacy preferences such as location, collection of diagnostic data etc.Removed
1495Fine-tune which individual apps and services can access device capabilities by turning them on or off.Removed
1496For more information about data collection in Windows, see Data collection summary for Windows .Removed
1497This statement discusses Windows 10 and Windows 11 and references to Windows in this section relate to those product versions.Removed
1498Earlier versions of Windows (including Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1) are subject to their own privacy statements.Removed
1500The product key and data about the software and your device is sent to Microsoft to help validate your license to the software.1018The product key and data about the software and your device are sent to Microsoft to help validate your license to the software.
1503Back to top Activity history Activity history helps keep track of the things you do on your device, such as the apps and services you use, the files you open, and the websites you browse.1021Back to top Advertising ID Windows generates an advertising ID for each user on a device, which Microsoft, third-party apps, and advertising networks can use to provide relevant ads and personalized experiences on apps and across the web, similar to how websites use cookies.
1504Your activity history is created when using different apps and features such as Microsoft Edge Legacy, some Microsoft Store apps, and Microsoft 365 apps and is stored locally on your device.1022App developers and advertising networks can also use it for their own purposes, subject to their own privacy policies and the controls described below.
1505You can turn settings off or on for storing activity history locally on your device, and you can also clear your device’s activity history at any time by going to Privacy > Activity history in the Windows settings app.Removed
1506Learn more about activity history in Windows .Removed
1507Back to top Advertising ID Windows generates a unique advertising ID for each person using a device, which app developers and advertising networks can then use for their own purposes, including providing relevant advertising in apps.Removed
1508When the advertising ID is enabled, both Microsoft apps and third-party apps can access and use the advertising ID in much the same way that websites can access and use a unique identifier stored in a cookie.Removed
1509Thus, your advertising ID can be used by app developers and advertising networks to provide more relevant advertising and other personalized experiences across their apps and on the web.Removed
1510Microsoft collects the advertising ID for the uses described here only when you choose to enable the advertising ID as part of your privacy setting.Removed
1512You can turn off access to this identifier at any time by turning off the advertising ID in the Windows settings app.1024You can turn off use of the advertising ID in the Windows Settings app.
1513If you choose to turn it on again, the advertising ID will be reset and a new identifier will be generated.Removed
1514When a third-party app accesses the advertising ID, its use of the advertising ID will be subject to its own privacy policy.Removed
1516The advertising ID setting does not apply to other methods of interest-based advertising delivered by Microsoft or third parties, such as cookies used to provide interest-based display ads on websites.1026The advertising ID setting does not apply to other methods of personalized advertising delivered by Microsoft or third parties, such as cookies used to provide personalized display ads on websites.
1517Third-party products accessed through or installed on Windows may also deliver other forms of interest-based advertising subject to their own privacy policies.1027Third-party products accessed through or installed on Windows may also deliver other forms of personalized advertising subject to their own privacy policies.
1518Microsoft delivers other forms of interest-based ads in certain Microsoft products, both directly and by partnering with third-party ad providers.1028For more information on how Microsoft uses data for advertising, see the How we use personal data and Advertising sections of this privacy statement.
1519For more information on how Microsoft uses data for advertising, see the How we use personal data section of this statement.Removed
1522Back to top Diagnostics Microsoft collects Windows diagnostic data to solve problems and to keep Windows up to date, secure, and operating properly.1031Back to top Diagnostics As we mention in the Diagnostic data section above, Microsoft collects diagnostic data to solve problems and to keep its products like Windows up to date, secure, and operating properly, and to improve Windows and related Microsoft products and services.
1523It also helps us improve Windows and related Microsoft products and services.1032This data is periodically collected from your device and stored with unique identifiers to help Microsoft recognize individual users on a device and identify issues and usage patterns.
1524While the device is running, diagnostic data is collected and periodically transmitted to Microsoft and stored along with one or more unique identifiers that can help us recognize an individual user on an individual device and understand the device's service issues and use patterns.1033Certain product documentation and other materials refer to required diagnostic data as “Basic diagnostic data” and to optional diagnostic data as “Full diagnostic data.” Please see the Data collection summary for Windows for more information about how Windows uses diagnostic data.
1525There are two levels of diagnostic and activity data: Required diagnostic data and Optional diagnostic data.1034For a current list of required diagnostic data and optional diagnostic data collected, see Windows Required (Basic level) diagnostic events and fields or Windows Optional (Full level) diagnostic data .
1526Certain product documentation and other materials refer to Required diagnostic data as Basic diagnostic data and to Optional diagnostic data as Full diagnostic data.1035If you use a work or school account, your organization may enroll your device in the Windows diagnostic data processor configuration.
1527If an organization (such as your employer or school) uses Microsoft Entra ID to manage the account it provides to you and enrolls your device in the Windows diagnostic data processor configuration, Microsoft’s processing of diagnostic data in connection with Windows is governed by a contract between Microsoft and the organization.1036Microsoft processes Windows diagnostic data based on a contract with the organization.
1528If an organization uses Microsoft management tools or engages Microsoft to manage your device, Microsoft and the organization will use and process diagnostic and error data from your device to allow the management, monitoring, and troubleshooting of your devices managed by the organization, and for other purposes of the organization.1037If an organization uses Microsoft management tools or engages Microsoft to manage your device, Microsoft and your organization can process and use diagnostic and error data from your device for device management, monitoring, troubleshooting, and other organizational purposes.
1530We collect the following Required diagnostic data: Device, connectivity, and configuration data: Data about the device such as the processor type, OEM manufacturer, type of battery and capacity, number and type of cameras, firmware, and memory attributes.1039We collect the following required diagnostic data: Device, connectivity, and configuration data: Data about the device such as the processor type, OEM manufacturer, type of battery and capacity, number and type of cameras, firmware, and memory attributes.
1531Network capabilities and connection data such as the device’s IP address, mobile network (including IMEI and mobile operator), and whether the device is connected to a free or paid network.1040Network capabilities and connection data such as the device’s IP address, mobile network, and whether the device is connected to a free or paid network.
1535Whether a device is ready for an update and whether there are factors that may impede the ability to receive updates, such as low battery, limited disk space, or connectivity through a paid network.1044Whether a device is ready for and can receive an update based on factors like low battery, limited disk space, or connectivity through a paid network.
1539For example, basic error reporting tells us if an application, such as Microsoft Paint or a third-party game, hangs or crashes.Removed
1541Optional diagnostic data may also include data about the websites you browse, device activity (also sometimes referred to as usage), and enhanced error reporting that helps Microsoft to fix and improve products and services for all users.1049When you choose to send optional diagnostic data, required diagnostic data will always be included, and we collect the following additional information: Additional data about the device, connectivity, and configuration, beyond that collected as part of required diagnostic data.
1542When you choose to send Optional diagnostic data, Required diagnostic data will always be included, and we collect the following additional information: Additional data about the device, connectivity, and configuration, beyond that collected under Required diagnostic data.1050Status and logging information about the health of operating system and other system components beyond that collected about the update and diagnostics systems under required diagnostic data.
1543Status and logging information about the health of operating system and other system components beyond that collected about the update and diagnostics systems under Required diagnostic data.Removed
1545Browser activity, including browsing history and search terms, in Microsoft browsers (Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer).1052Browser activity, including browsing history and search terms, in Microsoft Edge.
1547Some of the data described above may not be collected from your device even if you choose to send Optional diagnostic data.1054Even if you choose to send us optional diagnostic data, some of the data described above might not be collected from your device.
1548Microsoft minimizes the volume of Optional diagnostic data it collects from all devices by collecting some of the data from only a subset of devices (sample).1055Microsoft minimizes the amount of data it collects by collecting some of the data from only a subset of devices (sample).
1549By running the Diagnostic Data Viewer tool, you can see an icon which indicates whether your device is part of a sample and also which specific data is collected from your device.1056The Diagnostic Data Viewer tool shows if your device is part of a sample and what specific data is collected from your device.
1550Instructions for how to download the Diagnostic Data Viewer tool can be found in the Windows settings app under Diagnostics & feedback.1057You can find download instructions for the Diagnostic Data Viewer tool in the Windows settings app under Diagnostics & feedback .
1551Specific data items collected in Windows diagnostics are subject to change to give Microsoft flexibility to collect the data needed for the purposes described.1058The specific data collected through Windows diagnostics may change as needed to address new issues or support recently released devices.
1552For example, to enable Microsoft to troubleshoot the latest performance issue impacting users’ computing experience or update a Windows device that is new to the market, Microsoft may need to collect data items that were not collected previously.1059For example, Microsoft may collect new types of data to troubleshoot performance problems or update devices.
1553For a current list of data types collected at Required diagnostic data and Optional diagnostic data , see Windows Required (Basic level) diagnostic events and fields or Windows Optional (Full level) diagnostic data .1060We provide limited portions of error report information to partners, like device manufacturers, solely to help them repair or improve their products and services, which work with Windows and other Microsoft products and services.
1554We provide limited portions of error report information to partners (such as the device manufacturer) to help them troubleshoot products and services which work with Windows and other Microsoft product and services.1061We may also share aggregated, de-identified diagnostic data, such as general usage trends for Windows apps and features, with select third parties.
1555They are only permitted to use this information to repair or improve those products and services.Removed
1556We may also share some aggregated, de-identified diagnostic data, such as general usage trends for Windows apps and features, with selected third parties.Removed
1558Inking and typing Recognition .1063Inking and typing recognition .
1559You also can choose to help Microsoft improve inking and typing recognition by sending inking and typing diagnostic data.1064You can choose to help Microsoft improve inking and typing recognition by sending inking and typing diagnostic data.
1560If you choose to do so, Microsoft will collect samples of the content you type or write to improve features such as handwriting recognition, autocompletion, next word prediction, and spelling correction in the many languages used by Microsoft customers.1065If enabled, Microsoft collects samples of what you type or write to enhance features like handwriting recognition, autocompletion, next word prediction, and spelling correction across languages.
1561When Microsoft collects inking and typing diagnostic data, it is divided into small samples and processed to remove unique identifiers, sequencing information, and other data (such as email addresses and numeric values) which could be used to reconstruct the original content or associate the input to you.1066The collected data is divided into small samples and processed to remove information that could identify you or reconstruct the original content, such as unique identifiers, sequencing details, email addresses, and numeric values.
1562It also includes associated performance data, such as changes you manually make to text, as well as words you've added to the dictionary.1067Performance data, including text changes you make manually and words you add to the dictionary, is also included.
1580The data we use to personalize offers may change over time, but this page will always have the latest list of data sources so you can make decisions on how your data is used by Microsoft.Removed
1583Contextual data from your device and some basic account data are used to show you appropriate messaging in Windows regardless of whether the Personalized offers setting or the use of data from other Microsoft products to personalize offers are turned off.1087Contextual data from your device and some basic account data are used to show you appropriate messaging in Windows regardless of whether the Personalized offers setting in Windows or the settings to use data from other Microsoft products to personalize offers are turned off.
1600If you stream movies in your browser, you may be recommended an app from the Microsoft store that streams more efficiently.1104If you stream movies in your browser, you may be recommended an app from the Microsoft Store that streams more efficiently.
1603Back to top Feedback Hub Feedback Hub provides a way to gather feedback on Microsoft products and installed first party and third-party apps.1107Back to top Feedback Hub Feedback Hub gives you a way to provide feedback on Microsoft products and installed first party apps and in some cases third-party apps.
1604When you use Feedback Hub, Feedback Hub periodically reads the installed app list to determine apps for which feedback can be sent.1108It determines the apps installed on your device through public APIs. For HoloLens users, Feedback Hub can access your camera and microphone when you choose to share surroundings or audio input and uses your picture and document libraries to attach screenshots and screen recordings for feedback submissions.
1605Feedback Hub determines the apps installed in your device through public APIs. Additionally, for HoloLens, Feedback Hub uses your camera and microphone when you choose to share surroundings and audio input.1109You can sign into Feedback Hub with either your personal Microsoft account or a work or school account.
1606It also uses picture and document library to access screenshots and screen recordings that you attach for sending as part of feedback.1110When you use a work or school account your feedback may be associated with your organization and viewable by its administrators through Feedback Hub or the admin center.
1607You can sign into Feedback Hub using either your personal Microsoft account or an account provided by your organization (such as your employer or school) that you use to sign into Microsoft products.1111Regardless of which account you use, your feedback may be publicly accessible depending on your organization’s settings.
1608Signing in with your work or school account allows you to submit feedback to Microsoft in association with your organization.1112When you submit feedback about a problem to Microsoft, diagnostic data is sent to help improve Microsoft products and services.
1609Any feedback you provide whether using your work or school account or personal Microsoft account may be publicly viewable depending on the settings configured by your organization’s administrators.1113The Feedback Hub will either send this data automatically or give you the option to send it, depending on your diagnostic data settings in the Diagnostics & feedback section of Windows settings.
1610Additionally, if feedback is provided using your work or school account, your feedback can be viewed through the Feedback Hub or via admin center by your organization’s administrators.1114Additional personal data may be collected based on the type of feedback you provide to better troubleshoot specific issues – for example, location data when providing feedback about location services.
1611When you submit feedback to Microsoft about a problem or add more details to a problem, diagnostic data will be sent to Microsoft to improve Microsoft products and services.1115Microsoft may also share your feedback and related data with partners, like device manufacturers or firmware developers to assist in resolving issues with products and services that work with Windows.
1612Depending on your Diagnostic data settings in the Diagnostics & feedback section of the Windows settings, Feedback Hub will either send diagnostic data automatically or you will have the option to send it to Microsoft at the time you provide feedback.Removed
1613Based on the category chosen when submitting feedback, there may be additional personal data collected that helps to further troubleshoot issues; for example, location related information when submitting feedback about location services or gaze related information when submitting feedback on Mixed Reality.Removed
1614Microsoft may also share your feedback along with the data collected when you submit your feedback with Microsoft partners (such as a device manufacturer, or firmware developer) to help them troubleshoot products and services that work with Windows and other Microsoft products and services.Removed
1617It provides self-service support (such as links to help articles or directions on how Windows users can solve problems on their own), Diagnostics, and connecting the customer to a live Microsoft agent as appropriate.1118It provides you with self-service support (such as links to help articles or directions on how you can solve problems on your own), recommends Diagnostics, and helps connect you to a live Microsoft agent if needed.
1618You can sign into the Get Help component with your Microsoft account to create a consumer support case.1119If you choose to run a Diagnostic, any diagnostic data collected is handled according to the Windows Diagnostics section above.
1619Enterprise account users may also be permitted to create a customer support case depending on their organization’s support contract, and if enabled by their tenant administrator.1120You can sign in with your Microsoft account to create a support case, and enterprise account users may also be able to do the same based on their organization’s support contract and administrator settings.
1620Get Help may suggest you run a Diagnostic.1121If enabled by system settings, you can use the system microphone in Get Help to voice your support question instead of typing, with controls available in the “Microphone Privacy Settings” in the Windows Settings app.
1621If you consent, diagnostic data is handled in accordance with the Diagnostics section.1122Get Help does not use your location for its services.
1622If permitted by system settings, the system microphone may be used to capture the support question instead of your needing to type.Removed
1623You can control this in the “Microphone Privacy Settings” in the Windows Settings application.Removed
1624Get Help will also access your Application List to aid in opening the Feedback Hub to the correct app if you choose to start the feedback process within Get Help.Removed
1625All feedback will be entered and controlled by the Feedback Hub, as described in the Feedback Hub section of this Privacy Statement.Removed
1626Get Help does not use your location data as part of its services.Removed
1628Live captions can generate captions from any audio containing speech, whether the audio is online, audio you have downloaded to your device, or audio received from your microphone.1124Live captions can generate captions from any audio containing speech, whether the audio is online, downloaded to your device, or received from your microphone.
1632Back to top Location services and recording Windows location service .1128Back to top Location services Windows location service .
1633Microsoft operates a location service that helps determine the precise geographic location of a specific Windows device.1129Microsoft’s location service helps determine the precise geographic location of your Windows device using a combination of GPS, nearby wireless access points and routers, cell towers, IP address, or default location.
1634Depending on the capabilities of the device, the device’s location can be determined with varying degrees of accuracy and may in some cases be determined precisely.1130Location services give you control over which apps are allowed to access your precise location.
1635When you have enabled location on a Windows device, or you have given permission for Microsoft apps to access location information on non-Windows devices, data about cell towers and Wi-Fi access points and their locations is collected by Microsoft and added to the location database after removing any data identifying the person or device from which it was collected.1131When location services are turned off, Windows and apps will not have access to device location, and some apps may not be able to access information about Wi-Fi networks.
1636This de-identified location information is used to improve Microsoft's location services.1132With location services turned on, apps can access approximate location and can request permission to use precise location.
1637Windows services and features, apps running on Windows, and websites opened in Windows browsers can access the device’s location through Windows if your settings allow them to do so.1133You can manage these permissions in Windows Settings.
1638Some features and apps request location permission when you first install Windows, some ask the first time you use the app, and others ask every time you access the device’s location.1134When location is enabled, data about cell towers and Wi-Fi access points and their locations are collected, de-identified, and used to improve location services.
1135Learn more about location in Windows .
1136If an app or feature accesses your device’s location and you are signed in with your Microsoft account, your last known location information is also saved to the cloud.
1137This information is available across your devices to other apps or services that use your Microsoft account and to which you’ve granted permission.
1138This location information can be viewed or deleted from your Microsoft account privacy dashboard.
1139There are some exceptions to how your device’s location can be determined that are not directly managed by the location settings.
1140For example, desktop apps are a type of app that do not support per-app control over precise location access.
1141Desktop apps are usually downloaded from the internet or installed from media (such as a CD, DVD, or USB storage device).
1142Even when you’ve turned off location services in Windows, some third-party apps and services could use other technologies (such as Bluetooth, IP address, cellular modem, etc.) or cloud-based location services to determine your device’s location with varying degrees of accuracy.
1143To facilitate getting help in an emergency, whenever you make an emergency call, Windows will attempt to determine and share your precise location, regardless of your location settings.
1144In addition, your mobile operator will have access to your device’s location if your device is using a cellular service.
1145General location .
1146If you turn on Location services in Windows Settings, apps that cannot use your precise location may still have access to your general or coarse location, such as your city, postal code, or region.
1147A limited set of features in Windows will use your IP address to provide you with contextual information for your area if location services are turned off, such as weather on the taskbar.
1640When an app or feature accesses the device’s location and you are signed in with a Microsoft account, your Windows device will also upload its location to the cloud where it is available across your devices to other apps or services that use your Microsoft account and for which you’ve granted permission.Removed
1641We will retain only the last known location (each new location replaces the previous one).Removed
1642This location data can be viewed or deleted from your Microsoft account privacy dashboard.Removed
1643In the Windows settings app, you can also view which apps have access to the device’s precise location, turn off or on access to the device’s location for particular apps, or turn off access to the device’s location.Removed
1644You can also set a default location, which will be used when the location service can’t detect a more exact location for your device.Removed
1645There are some exceptions to how your device’s location can be determined that are not directly managed by the location settings.Removed
1646Desktop apps are a specific type of app whose location permissions are controlled through your Windows location settings and won’t appear in the list that allows you to choose those apps that can use your location.Removed
1647They can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, downloaded from the internet, or installed with some type of media (such as a CD, DVD, or USB storage device).Removed
1648Learn more about third-party desktop apps and how they may still be able to determine your device’s location when the device’s location setting is off .Removed
1649Some web-based experiences or third-party apps that surface on Windows could use other technologies (such as Bluetooth, IP address, cellular modem, etc.) or cloud-based location services to determine your device’s location with varying degrees of accuracy even when you’ve turned off the device location setting.Removed
1650To facilitate getting help in an emergency, whenever you make an emergency call, Windows will attempt to determine and share your precise location, regardless of your location settings.Removed
1651If your device has a SIM card or is otherwise using cellular service, your mobile operator will have access to your device’s location.Removed
1652Learn more about location in Windows .Removed
1653General Location .Removed
1654If you turn on Location services, apps that cannot use your precise location may still have access to your general location, such as your city, postal code, or region.Removed
1655A limited set of features in Windows will use your IP address to provide you with contextual information for your area if location services are not turned on, such as weather on the taskbar.Removed
1656Learn more about location in Windows and how you can choose to disable these features.Removed
1663Recording .1155Back to top Narrator Narrator is a built-in Windows screen reader that enables you to navigate your device without a screen.
1664Some Windows devices have a recording feature that allows you to capture audio and video clips of your activity on the device, including your communications with others.1156When you use features such as image descriptions or page title descriptions (by pressing Narrator + Ctrl + D), or popular links lists (Narrator + double press of S), the image or URL of the web page you’re visiting is sent to Microsoft.
1665If you choose to record a session, the recording will be saved locally on your device.1157This data is used only to generate the requested descriptions or summaries and to improve Microsoft services, such as Bing.
1666In some cases, you may have the option to transmit the recording to a Microsoft product or service that broadcasts the recording publicly.1158Images are not retained by Microsoft after analysis.
1667Important: You should understand your legal responsibilities before recording and/or transmitting any communication.Removed
1668This may include obtaining the prior consent of everyone participating in the conversation or any other authorizations as required.Removed
1669Microsoft is not responsible for how you use recording features or your recordings.Removed
1670Back to top Narrator Narrator is a built-in screen reader tool that helps you use Windows without a screen.Removed
1671Narrator offers intelligent image and page title description and web page summaries when you encounter undescribed images and ambiguous links.Removed
1672When you choose to get an image description by pressing Narrator + Ctrl + D, the image will be sent to Microsoft to perform analysis of the image and generate a description.Removed
1673Images are used only to generate the description and are not stored by Microsoft.Removed
1674When you choose to get page title descriptions by pressing Narrator + Ctrl + D, the URL of the site you are visiting will be sent to Microsoft to generate the page title description and to provide and improve Microsoft services, such as Bing services as described in the Bing section above.Removed
1675When you choose to get a list of popular links for a web page by pressing Narrator + double press of S, the URL of the site you are visiting will be sent to Microsoft to generate the summary of popular links and to provide and improve Microsoft services, such as Bing.Removed
1679When you use this command, the Feedback Hub app will launch, giving you the opportunity to submit verbal feedback.1162The Feedback Hub app will launch when you use this command and give you the opportunity to submit verbal feedback.
1681Back to top Phone Link - Link to Windows The Phone Link feature lets you link your Android phone with your Microsoft Account and your iPhone via Bluetooth to connect to your Windows PC.1164Back to top Linked mobile experiences on Windows The Phone Link feature lets you link your mobile phone to your Windows PC, enabling a variety of cross-device experiences across all your Windows devices.
1682Your Android device will link with your Microsoft Account and your iPhone will link via Bluetooth, enabling a variety of cross-device experiences across all your Windows devices where you are signed in or connected via Bluetooth.1165Some Phone Link features, and the resulting data that is synced between your phone and Windows devices, differs for Android devices and iPhones and is described separately below.
1683You can use Phone Link to see recent photos from your Android phone on your Windows device; make and receive live calls from your Android phone on your Windows device; view and send text messages from your Windows device; view, dismiss, or perform other actions to your Android phone notifications from your Windows device; share your phone screen on your Windows device through Phone Link’s mirroring function; and instantly access Android apps installed on your Android phone on your Windows device.1166As part of providing Phone Link’s features, Microsoft collects performance, usage, and device data that includes, for example, the hardware capabilities of your mobile phone and Windows device, the number and duration of your sessions on Phone Link, and the amount of time you spent during setup.
1684You can use Phone Link to make and receive calls from your iPhone, view and send text messages, and view, dismiss, or perform other actions on your iPhone notification from your Windows device.1167Android Devices You can use Phone Link to see recent photos, view and send text messages, and make and receive live calls from your Android phone on your Windows device.
1685To use Phone Link, Link to Windows must be installed on your Android device.1168You can also view, dismiss, or perform other actions to your Android phone notifications and instantly access and use Android apps installed on your Android phone from your Windows device and share your phone screen on your Windows device through Phone Link’s mirroring function.
1686You may also optionally download Phone Link to your iPhone.1169To use Phone Link, you must install the Link to Windows app on your Android device and grant the requested app permissions.
1687To use Phone Link, you must log into your Microsoft account on the Phone Link feature on your Windows device and on Link to Windows on your Android phone or Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone.1170You must log into your Microsoft account on the Phone Link feature on your Windows device and on Link to Windows on your Android phone.
1688Your Android phone and your Windows device must be connected to the internet.1171Both devices must be connected to the internet.
1689Some features will require you to enable Bluetooth and pair your phone with your PC.1172Some features require Bluetooth and pairing your phone with your PC.
1690To use the Calls feature, your Android phone must also have Bluetooth enabled.1173We never store your texts, call history, photos, or what apps you have or information displayed by the apps on our servers or change them on your phone.
1691During setting up your Windows device, you can choose to link your phone with your Microsoft account.1174You can unlink your Android phone from your Windows device at any time by going into your Phone Link settings and choosing to remove your Android phone, or from the settings in Link to Windows on your Android phone.
1692This is done by signing into Link to Windows on your Android phone, granting permissions and completing the onboarding experience.Removed
1693Once complete, Link to Windows will sync your data to all your Windows PCs where you have signed into your Microsoft account.Removed
1694See below for details on how your data is used.Removed
1695As part of providing Phone Link’s features to you, Microsoft collects performance, usage, and device data that includes, for example, the hardware capabilities of your mobile phone and Windows device, the number and duration of your sessions on Phone Link, and the amount of time you spent during setup.Removed
1696You can unlink your Android phone from your Windows device at any time by going into your Phone Link settings and choosing to remove your Android phone.Removed
1697You can do the same from the settings in Link to Windows on your Android phone.Removed
1176Text Messages.
1177Phone Link allows you to view text messages delivered to your Android phone on your Windows device and send text messages from your Windows device.
1178Phone Link accesses the content of your text messages and the sender’s or recipient’s contact information.
1179These text messages are temporarily stored on your device and only those messages received and sent within the last 30 days are visible on your Windows device.
1180Calls.
1181Phone Link allows you to make, receive, and view your recent calls from your Android phone on your Windows device.
1182To activate this feature, you must enable certain permissions on both the Phone Link Settings page on your Windows device and Android phone’s settings, such as call logs access and permission to make phone calls from your PC.
1183These call details are temporarily stored on your Windows device and only calls received and dialed within the last 30 days are visible under call logs on your Windows device.
1184Photos.
1185Phone Link allows you to copy, share, edit, save, or delete a limited number of your most recent photos from your Android phone on your Windows device.
1186These photos are temporarily stored on your Windows device.
1187Notifications.
1188Phone Link allows you to view, read, dismiss, or perform other actions related to your Android phone’s notifications on your Windows device.
1189To activate this Phone Link feature, you must enable certain permissions, such as sync notifications, on both your Windows device and Android phone.
1190Apps mirroring.
1191On supported devices, Phone Link allows you to use the Android apps that are installed on your Android phone on your Windows device.
1192Microsoft collects a list of your installed Android apps and recent activity to provide the service and show you your most recently used apps but does not retain further information.
1193Instant Hotspot.
1194On supported Android devices, Link to Windows enables users to share mobile hotspot information with their paired PC over secure Bluetooth communication.
1195Your PC can then be connected to the internet.
1196Please note mobile data charges may apply depending on your mobile data plan.
1197Contacts.
1198Link to Windows allows you to sync your Android contacts into the Microsoft cloud.
1199You can access them in other Microsoft products and services by going into Link to Windows settings and enabling “Contacts sync” feature.
1200Your contacts information is stored online and associated with your Microsoft account.
1201Learn more . iPhones You can use Phone Link to make and receive calls from your iPhone, view and send text messages, and view, dismiss, or perform other actions on your iPhone notification from your Windows device.
1202To use Phone Link, you must have Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone.
1203You may also optionally install the Link to Windows app on your iPhone.
1701All users can remove the Bluetooth pairing by disabling the experiences.1206We never store your texts or call history on our servers or change them on your iPhone.
1702Text Messages – Android devices.1207Text Messages.
1703Phone Link allows you to view text messages delivered to your Android phone on your Windows device and send text messages from your Windows device.1208Phone Link allows you to view text (SMS) messages delivered to your iPhone on your Windows devices and send text messages from your Windows device.
1704Only text messages received and sent within the last 30 days are visible on your Windows device.1209Phone Link accesses the content of your text messages and the sender’s or recipient’s contact information.
1705These text messages are temporarily stored on your Windows device.1210These text messages are temporarily stored on your Windows device and only text messages received and sent within your Bluetooth session or iMessage are visible on your Windows devices.
1706We never store your text messages on our servers or change or delete any text messages on your Android phone.1211Calls.
1707You can see messages sent via SMS (Short Message Service), MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) on Android devices, and messages sent via RCS (Rich Communication Services) on select Samsung devices on select mobile operator networks.1212Phone Link allows you to make, receive, and view your recent calls from your iPhone on your Windows device.
1708To provide this functionality, Phone Link accesses the content of your text messages and the contact information of the individuals or businesses from whom you are receiving or sending text messages.1213To activate this feature, you must enable the Sync Contacts feature under Bluetooth settings on your iPhone.
1709Text Messages – iPhones.Removed
1710Phone Link allows you to view text messages delivered to your iPhone on your Windows devices and send text messages from your Windows device.Removed
1711Only text messages received and sent within your Bluetooth session or iMessage are visible on your Windows devices.Removed
1712These text messages are temporarily stored on your Windows device.Removed
1713We never store your text messages on our servers or change or delete any text messages on your iPhone.Removed
1714You can see messages sent via SMS (Short Message Service).Removed
1715To provide this functionality, Phone Link accesses the content of your text messages and the contact information of the individuals or businesses from whom you are receiving or sending text messages.Removed
1716Calls – Android devices.Removed
1717Phone Link allows you to make and receive calls from your Android phone on your Windows device.Removed
1718Through Phone Link, you can also view your recent calls on your Windows device.Removed
1719To activate this feature, you must enable certain permissions on both your Windows device and Android phone, such as call logs access and permission to make phone calls from your PC.Removed
1720These permissions can be revoked at any time under the Phone Link Settings page on your Windows device and your Android phone's settings.Removed
1721Only calls received and dialed within the last 30 days are visible under call logs on your Windows device.Removed
1723We do not change or delete your call history on your Android phone.1215Notifications.
1724Calls – iPhones.1216Phone Link allows you to view, read, dismiss, or perform other actions related to your iPhone’s notifications on your Windows device.
1725Phone Link allows you to make and receive calls from your iPhone on your Windows device.Removed
1726Through Phone Link, you can also view your recent calls on your Windows device.Removed
1727To activate this feature, you must enable Sync Contacts feature under Bluetooth settings on your iPhone.Removed
1728These call details are temporarily stored on your Windows device.Removed
1729We do not change or delete your call history on your iPhone.Removed
1730Photos – Android devices.Removed
1731Phone Link allows you to copy, share, edit, save, or delete photos from your Android phone on your Windows device.Removed
1732Only a limited number of your most recent photos from the Camera Roll and Screenshots folders on your Android phone will be visible on your Windows device at any given time.Removed
1733These photos are temporarily stored on your Windows device and as you take more photos on your Android phone, we remove the temporary copies of the older photos from your Windows device.Removed
1734We never store your photos on our servers or change or delete any photos on your Android phone.Removed
1735Notifications – Android devices.Removed
1736Phone Link allows you to view your Android phone’s notifications on your Windows device.Removed
1737Through Phone Link, you can read and dismiss your Android phone’s notifications from your Windows device or perform other actions related to the notifications.Removed
1738To activate this Phone Link feature, you must enable certain permissions, such as sync notifications, on both your Windows device and Android phone.Removed
1739These permissions can be revoked at any time under the Phone Link Settings page on your Windows device and your Android phone’s settings.Removed
1740For detailed information, see our support page .Removed
1741Notifications – iPhones.Removed
1742Phone Link allows you to view your iPhone’s notifications on your Windows device.Removed
1743Through Phone Link, you can read and dismiss your iPhone’s notifications from your Windows device or perform other actions related to the notifications.Removed
1745These permissions can be revoked at any time under the Phone Link Settings page on your Windows device and your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings.1218Contacts.
1746Phone Screen Mirroring – Android devices.1219Phone Link allows you to sync your contacts from your iPhone to access them for messaging and calling by going into Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and toggle on Sync Contacts under your PC name after connecting your iPhone to Phone Link.
1747On supported devices , Phone Link allows you to view your Android phone’s screen on your Windows device.1220Back to top Cross-device experiences Cross-device experiences in Windows enable access to a linked mobile device from your PC through your Microsoft account.
1748Your Android phone screen will be visible on your Windows device as a pixel stream and any audio that you enable on your Android phone screen while it is linked to your Windows device through Phone Link will play through your Android phone.1221By linking your mobile device and enabling these experiences, Windows may make certain mobile device content available across Windows to deliver features and services that support integrated cross‑device functionality.
1749Apps mirroring – Android devices.Removed
1750On supported devices, Phone Link allows you to use your Android apps that are installed on your Android phone on your Windows device.Removed
1751For example, you can launch a music app in your Windows session and listen to audio from that app on your PC speakers.Removed
1752Microsoft collects a list of your installed Android apps and recent activity to provide the service and show you your most recently used apps.Removed
1753Microsoft does not store what apps you have installed or any of the information displayed by the app in your experience with it.Removed
1754Content transfer – Android devices.Removed
1755On supported devices, Phone Link allows you to copy and paste contents such as files, documents, photos, etc. between your Android phone and your Windows device.Removed
1756You can transfer content from your Android phone to your Windows device and from your Windows device to your Android phone by drag and drop contents between the devices.Removed
1757Instant Hotspot – Android devices.Removed
1758On supported devices, Link to Windows enables users to share mobile hotspot information with their paired PC over secure Bluetooth communication.Removed
1759Your PC can then be connected to the internet through the Windows network flyout.Removed
1760Please note mobile data charges may apply depending on the mobile data plan you have.Removed
1761Contacts sync – Android devices.Removed
1762Link to Windows allows you to sync your Android contacts into the Microsoft cloud to access them in other Microsoft products and services.Removed
1763You can enable this feature by going into Link to Windows settings and enabling “Contacts sync” feature.Removed
1764Your contacts information is stored online and associated with your Microsoft account.Removed
1765You may choose to disable sync and delete these contacts at any time.Removed
1766Learn more .Removed
1767Contacts sync – iPhone.Removed
1768Phone Link allows you to sync your contacts from your iPhone to access them for messaging and calling.Removed
1769You can enable this feature by going into Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and toggle on Sync Contacts under your PC name after connecting your iPhone to Phone Link.Removed
1770You may choose to disable syncing at any time by toggling off Sync Contacts.Removed
1771Text-to-voice.Removed
1772Phone Link features include accessibility functionality such as text-to-voice.Removed
1773You can activate a text-to-voice feature, which allows you to hear the contents of a text message or notification as audio.Removed
1774If you activate this feature, your text messages and notifications will be read out loud as they are received.Removed
1775Office Enterprise – Android Devices.Removed
1776Link to Windows allows you to insert photos into web and desktop versions of select Microsoft 365 apps, such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word directly from your mobile phone.Removed
1777This requires your IT Administrator to have enabled Optional Connected Experiences for Microsoft Office applications and you will need to associate your mobile device with your work or school account and provide Photos permission to your account.Removed
1778After onboarding, your session will last 15 minutes to enable you to transfer your Photos from your mobile device.Removed
1779To use this feature again, you will need to scan your QR code.Removed
1780Link to Windows does not collect your work or school account information or information about your Enterprise.Removed
1781In order to provide this service, Microsoft uses a cloud service to relay your files for the purpose of inserting the photos into web and desktop version of select Microsoft 365 apps, such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word files.Removed
1782Back to top Cross-device experiences Cross-device experiences in Windows allow you to access your mobile device from your PC using your Microsoft Account.Removed
1795Show your mobile device in File Explorer .1234Show your mobile device in File Explorer and device name in Windows Share.
1238You can also enable access to your linked mobile device through Windows Share.
1239You can turn on this feature in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
1240Once enabled, your linked devices are visible in Windows, allowing you to share files and folders between your PC and your mobile device.
1241Back to top Recording Some Windows devices have a recording feature that allows you to capture audio and video clips of your activity on the device, including your communications with others.
1242If you choose to record a session, the recording will be saved locally on your device.
1243In some cases, you may have the option to transmit the recording to a Microsoft product or service that broadcasts the recording publicly.
1244Important: You should understand your legal responsibilities before recording and/or transmitting any communication.
1245This may include obtaining the prior consent of everyone participating in the conversation or any other authorizations as required .
1246Microsoft is not responsible for how you use recording features or your recordings.
1801When device encryption is on, Windows automatically encrypts the drive Windows is installed on and generates a recovery key.1249When device encryption is on, Windows encrypts the drive Windows is installed on and generates a recovery key.
1802The BitLocker recovery key for your personal device is automatically backed up online in your personal Microsoft OneDrive account.1250The BitLocker recovery key for your personal device is automatically backed up online and associated with your personal Microsoft account.
1804Malicious Software Removal Tool .1252Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).
1805The Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) runs on your device at least once per month as part of Windows Update.1253MSRT runs on your device at least once per month as part of Windows Update, and checks for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software ("malware") and helps remove any infections found.
1806MSRT checks devices for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software ("malware") and helps remove any infections found.1254When MSRT runs, it will remove the malware listed on the Microsoft Support website if the malware is on your device.
1807When the MSRT runs, it will remove the malware listed on the Microsoft Support website if the malware is on your device.Removed
1809If you do not want MSRT to send this data to Microsoft, you can disable MSRT's reporting component.1256You can turn off MSRT's reporting feature if you do not want to send this data to Microsoft.
1813If you live in a region that requires permission to create an account to access Microsoft services, you may be prompted to request or give parental consent.1260For users under the age of 13 or as specified by law in their jurisdiction, certain Microsoft products and services will either block users under that age or will ask them to obtain consent or authorization from a parent or guardian before they can use it, including when creating an account to access Microsoft services.
1814If a user is under the statutory age in your region, during the registration process they will be prompted to request consent from a parent or guardian by entering an adult’s email.1261If you are under the statutory age in your region, during the registration process you'll be prompted to request consent from a parent or guardian by entering an adult’s email.
1819Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect you when using our services by identifying threats to you, your device, and your passwords.1266Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect you and your device by identifying threats from unsafe websites, apps, and files.
1820These threats might include potentially unsafe apps or web content that Microsoft Defender SmartScreen discovers while checking websites you visit, files you download, and apps you install and run.1267When checking content, it sends relevant data—including web addresses and, if needed, details about suspicious sites or apps—to Microsoft for security analysis.
1821When Microsoft Defender SmartScreen checks web and app content, data about the content and your device is sent to Microsoft, including the full web address of the content.Removed
1822When additional analysis is needed to identify security threats, information about the suspicious website or app—such as content displayed, sounds played, and application memory—may be sent to Microsoft.Removed
1824If Microsoft Defender SmartScreen detects that content is potentially unsafe, you will see a warning in place of the content.1269If a threat is found, you'll receive a warning instead of the content.
1825Microsoft Defender SmartScreen can be turned on or off in the Windows Security app.1270You can turn this feature on or off in the Windows Security app.
1826Where supported, Smart App Control helps check software that is installed and runs on your device to determine if it is malicious, potentially unwanted, or poses other threats to you and your device.1271Where supported, Smart App Control checks software installed on your device to identify potential threats.
1827On a supported device, Smart App Control starts in evaluation mode and the data we collect for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen such as file name, a hash of the file’s contents, the download location, and the file’s digital certificates, is used to help determine whether your device is a good candidate to use Smart App Control for additional security protection.1272On supported devices, it begins in evaluation mode using data collected by Microsoft Defender SmartScreen—such as file names, hashes, download locations, and digital certificates—to determine if Smart App Control is suitable for your device.
1828Smart App Control is not enabled and will not block during evaluation mode.1273If your device qualifies, Smart App Control is automatically enabled for added protection; otherwise, it remains permanently off.
1829Some devices may not be good candidates if Smart App Control would otherwise get in the way and interfere with a user’s otherwise intended and legitimate tasks – for instance, developers who use a lot of unsigned files.1274For unsupported or unsuitable devices, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen continues to provide protection.
1830If you are a good candidate for Smart App Control, then it will automatically be turned on, and will provide additional protection to your device beyond Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.1275When Smart App Control is active, it blocks and alerts you about apps identified as malicious, potentially unwanted, or unknown and unsigned before they open, run or install.
1831Otherwise, Smart App Control will be unavailable and permanently turned off.Removed
1832If your device is unsupported or not a good candidate for Smart App Control, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen will continue to help protect your device.Removed
1833When Smart App Control is enabled and identifies an app as malicious, potentially unwanted, or unknown and unsigned, it will block and notify you prior to opening, running, or installing the app.Removed
1836Smart App Control can be turned on or off in the Windows Security app.1278You can turn Smart App Control on or off in the Windows Security app.
1838Microsoft Defender Antivirus looks for malware and other unwanted software, potentially unwanted apps, and other malicious content on your device.1280Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically activates to protect your device when no other antimalware software is running and monitors your device’s security status and scans for malware, unwanted software, and potentially harmful apps.
1839Microsoft Defender Antivirus is automatically turned on to help protect your device if no other antimalware software is actively protecting your device.1281When Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned on or otherwise running, it automatically sends reports to Microsoft with data about suspected malware and other unwanted software, potentially unwanted apps, and other malicious content.
1840If Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned on, it will monitor the security status of your device.1282It may also send files that could contain malicious content, such as malware or unknown files for further inspection.
1841When Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned on, or is running because Limited Periodic Scanning is enabled, it will automatically send reports to Microsoft that contain data about suspected malware and other unwanted software, potentially unwanted apps, and other malicious content, and it may also send files that could contain malicious content, such as malware or unknown files for further inspection.1283If a report may contain personal data, you'll be asked for permission before it’s sent.
1842If a report is likely to contain personal data, the report is not sent automatically, and you'll be prompted before it is sent.1284You can choose to disable reporting and file sharing with Microsoft.
1843You can configure Microsoft Defender Antivirus not to send reports and suspected malware to Microsoft.Removed
1851When you use cloud-based speech recognition technologies from Microsoft, whether enabled by the Online speech recognition setting or when you interact with HoloLens or voice typing, Microsoft collects and uses your voice recordings to provide the speech recognition service by creating a text transcription of the spoken words in the voice data.1292When you use our cloud-based speech recognition technologies, we collect and use your voice recordings and create a text transcription of the spoken words in the voice data.
1853To learn more about how Microsoft manages your voice data, see Speech recognition technologies .1294Learn more about Microsoft and your voice data .
1854You can use device-based speech recognition without sending your voice data to Microsoft.1295You can turn off online speech recognition at any time and stop any apps that rely on the online speech recognition setting from sending your voice data to Microsoft.
1296You can still use device-based speech recognition services that do not rely on the cloud and only use device-based recognition—like captions, Narrator, or voice access—without sending your voice data to Microsoft.
1856When the online speech recognition setting is turned off, speech services that do not rely on the cloud and only use device-based recognition—like live captions, Narrator, or voice access—will still work and Microsoft won’t collect any voice data.Removed
1857You can turn off online speech recognition at any time.Removed
1858This will stop any apps that rely on the Online speech recognition setting from sending your voice data to Microsoft.Removed
1862Voice Activation .1301Voice activation .
1864If you’ve given permission for an app to listen for voice keywords, Windows will be actively listening to the microphone for these keywords.1303If you’ve given permission for an app to listen for voice keywords, Windows will actively monitor the microphone for those keywords.
1865Once a keyword is recognized, the app will have access to your voice recording, can process the recording, take action, and respond, such as with a spoken answer.1304Each app needs to ask for your permission before accessing your microphone.
1866The app may send the voice recording to its own services in the cloud to process the commands.1305When a keyword is detected, the app will access and process your voice recording, take action, and respond, such as with a spoken answer.
1867Each app should ask you for permission before accessing voice recordings.1306The app may send your voice recording to its own cloud services to process commands and collect the recordings for other purposes, such as improving its services.
1868Additionally, voice activation can be enabled when the device is locked.1307Voice activation functionality can be enabled when the device is locked and the screen is off.
1869If enabled, the relevant app will continue listening to the microphone for voice keywords when you have locked your device and can activate for anyone who speaks near the device.1308Once an app is activated with a voice keyword, it may continue listening to the microphone.
1870When the device is locked, the app will have access to the same set of capabilities and information as when the device is unlocked.1309The app may be activated by anyone who speaks near the device and have access to the same set of capabilities and information as when the device is unlocked.
1876In Windows 11, dictation has been updated and renamed as voice typing.1315In Windows 11, dictation is now voice typing.
1890Your typed and handwritten words are collected to provide you with a custom word list, better character recognition to help you type and write on your device, and text suggestions that appear as you type or write.1329Your typed and handwritten words are collected to provide you with a custom word list, better character recognition to help you type and write on your device and text suggestions that appear as you type or write.
1892This will delete your customer word list stored on your device.1331This will delete your custom word list stored on your device.
1906Back to top Web browsers—Microsoft Edge Legacy and Internet Explorer This section applies to legacy versions of Microsoft Edge (versions 44 and below).1345Back to top Windows AI Features Click to Do Click to Do can operate as a stand-alone feature or in partnership with Windows Recall.
1907See the Microsoft Edge section of the Privacy Statement for information about non-legacy versions of Microsoft Edge.1346Once started, Click to Do enables you to capture and analyze screenshots, identify the presence of text and images, and offers relevant actions for each—such as editing a screenshot or revising captured text.
1908Microsoft Edge is the default web browser for Windows.1347Click to Do cannot identify the content within screenshots, but you can use local AI or other tools to modify that content if you wish.
1909Internet Explorer, the legacy browser from Microsoft, is also available in Windows.1348All activity remains on your local device unless you explicitly choose, like sending an image for a Bing search, requesting a summary of selected text (which is processed by Microsoft’s Azure AI cloud service), or using another tool to modify a screenshot.
1910Whenever you use a web browser to access the internet, data about your device ("standard device data") is sent to the websites you visit and online services you use.1349Additionally, Click to Do allows you to use your microphone to search for text within a captured screenshot: when you click the microphone button, it listens to what’s said, enters it into the Search box, and highlights all matching results.
1911Standard device data includes your device's IP address, browser type and language, access times, and referring website addresses.Removed
1912This data might be logged on those websites' web servers.Removed
1913Which data is logged and how that data is used depends on the privacy practices of the websites you visit and web services you use.Removed
1914Additionally, Microsoft Edge sends a unique browser ID to certain websites to enable us to develop aggregate data used to improve browser features and services.Removed
1915Additionally, data about how you use your browser, such as your browsing history, web form data, temporary internet files, and cookies, is stored on your device.Removed
1916You can delete this data from your device using Delete Browsing History.Removed
1917Microsoft Edge allows you to capture and save content on your device, such as: Web note .Removed
1918Allows you to create ink and text annotations on the webpages you visit, and clip, save, or share them.Removed
1919Active reading .Removed
1920Allows you to create and manage reading lists, including websites or documents.Removed
1921Hub .Removed
1922Allows you to easily manage your reading lists, favorites, downloads, and history all in one area.Removed
1923Website Pin to Taskbar .Removed
1924Allows you to pin your favorite websites to the Windows taskbar.Removed
1925Websites will be able to see which of their webpages you have pinned, so they can provide you a notification badge letting you know there is something new for you to check out on their websites.Removed
1926Some Microsoft browser information saved on your device will be synced across other devices when you sign in with your Microsoft account so you can access your data on all your signed-in browsers across your devices.Removed
1927For instance, in Internet Explorer, this information includes your browsing history and favorites; and in Microsoft Edge, it includes your favorites, reading lists, autofill form entries (such as your name, address, and phone number), and may include data for extensions that you have installed.Removed
1928As an example, if you sync your Microsoft Edge reading list across devices, copies of the content you choose to save to your reading list will be sent to each synced device for later viewing.Removed
1929You can disable syncing in Internet Explorer by going to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings .Removed
1930(For more information, see the Sync settings section of this privacy statement.) You can also disable syncing of Microsoft Edge browser information by turning off the sync option in Microsoft Edge Settings.Removed
1931Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer use your search queries and browsing history to provide you with faster browsing and more relevant search results.Removed
1932These features include: Search suggestions in Internet Explorer automatically sends the information you type into the browser address bar to your default search provider (such as Bing) to offer search recommendations as you type each character.Removed
1933Search and site suggestions in Microsoft Edge automatically sends the information you type into the browser address bar to Bing (even if you have selected another default search provider) to offer search recommendations as you type each character.Removed
1934You can turn off these features at any time.Removed
1935In order to provide search results, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer send your search queries, standard device information, and location (if you have location enabled) to your default search provider when the app is used.Removed
1936If Bing is your default search provider, we use this data as described in the Bing section of this privacy statement.Removed
1937Back to top Windows AI Features Click to Do Click to Do can run in partnership with Recall or as a stand-alone feature.Removed
1938Once started, you can use Click to Do to capture and analyze screenshots and identify the presence of text and images, then allowing you to take relevant actions for each.Removed
1939For instance, Click to Do can give you options to edit a screenshot image, or revise or rework text that it captures.Removed
1940Click to Do is unable to identify the content of the text or images identified within a screenshot, but you can use local AI and other tools to modify the content if you wish.Removed
1941Everything remains on your local device unless you make an explicit choice, like sending an image off to Bing for a search, asking Click to Do to provide a summary of text the user has selected (in which case it will be sent to Microsoft’s Azure AI cloud service), or using another local AI or other tool to modify a Click to Do screenshot.Removed
1942Click to Do also allows you to use your microphone to search for text within a capture screenshot.Removed
1943When you click on the microphone button, Click to Do starts listening to what’s said, which is entered into the Search box, and will highlight all the matches from the search.Removed
1945Windows Recall Recall is a Windows feature only available in CoPilot+ PCs that allows users to find things they've seen on their device using the text and visual clues they remember.1351Windows Recall Recall is a Windows feature available exclusively on Copilot+ PCs that helps users find previously viewed content using remembered text or visual clues.
1946To use Recall, a user must opt-in to save snapshots on their Copilot+ PC, which are images of everything open and visible on the user’s screen and include associated metadata such as the app name and time-date stamp.1352To use Recall, users must opt-in to save snapshots — screen images with metadata like app name and time stamp — which are securely stored locally and protected with Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS).
1947All data is stored locally on the device and is protected with Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS), which provides more secure biometric sign-ins and helps ensure only the customer can have access to their information.1353Each time Recall is opened, users must authenticate using Windows Hello biometric sign-in or PIN to decrypt snapshot contents.
1948Every time a user launches Recall they will be asked to authenticate using Windows Hello biometric sign-in or PIN before the contents of the snapshot folder will decrypt.1354Analysis and processing of snapshots occur only on the device.
1949Click to Do runs on top of snapshots in Recall and helps the user get things done faster by allowing them to take actions with their content, either images or text, on the screen.1355Click to Do runs on top of snapshots in Recall to help you to take actions with your images or text on the screen.
1950The analysis of snapshots is always performed locally on the device and the actions available to take change based on what kind of content is detected.1356Recall lets you search for text within captured snapshots using your Copilot+ PC’s microphone.
1951Recall also allows you to use your Copilot+ PC device microphone as a way to search for text within captured snapshots.1357When you click on the microphone button inside the Search box within the Recall window, it enters what you said in the Search box.
1952When you click on the microphone button located inside the Search input box within the Recall window, it starts listening to what’s said and enters it into the Search box.1358The microphone remains active until you pause your speech, and all audio captured stays on your device.
1953The microphone remains in use until you pause your speech, at which point it is turned off until you explicitly press the microphone button again.1359Recall securely stores all captured data—including personal data like snapshots, metadata, processing results, and user queries—locally on your Copilot+ PC and within your signed-in account.
1954All the matches from the search will be highlighted in the results.1360This information is never transmitted off your device unless you take action, such as copying a snapshot to another app or submitting feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub with a snapshot attached.
1955The audio captured by the microphone is not transmitted off your device.1361The only way Recall content can be shared is by explicit user action on the device.
1956Data captured by Recall including personal data (e.g., snapshots, metadata, processing results, and user queries) remain local to the device within your signed-in account on the Copilot+ PC, and is not transmitted off the device unless you take certain action.1362You can control your content (such as snapshots, metadata, search queries, and history) by pausing or deleting snapshots, filtering content, or using a supported browser in privacy mode.
1957For example, if you copy and paste a snapshot into another app, or choose to include a snapshot when submitting feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub.1363Learn more about your privacy and control over your Recall experience .
1958The only way Recall content can be shared with anyone is by explicit on-device action taken by the user.1364In addition to the Recall search feature, Recall also has a timeline feature that organizes snapshots chronologically in a timeline, displayed via a horizontal scrollbar, making it easy to review and utilize your past PC activities.
1959You can control your content (such as Snapshots, metadata, search queries, and history) by pausing or deleting snapshots, filtering content, or using a supported browser in privacy mode.1365Within the timeline view, you can delete snapshots individually, by website domain, or by app.
1960Learn more about your privacy and control over your Recall experience here .Removed
1961In addition to the Recall search feature, Recall also has a timeline, in which your snapshots are organized chronologically and visualized in a horizontal scrollbar that you can use to find and leverage your past activities on your PC.Removed
1962In addition to the features available within the timeline, you can delete snapshots from this view, either individually or by all snapshots containing a website domain (e.g., all from www.bing.com) or those from a specific app.Removed
1966Some of those apps include: Maps app .1369Please visit Microsoft Store to learn more about each of these apps, including: Camera app .
1967The Maps app provides location-based services and uses Bing services to process your searches within the Maps app.Removed
1968When the Maps app has access to your location, and you have enabled location-based services in Windows, when you use the “@” key to initiate a search in supported text boxes in Windows apps, Bing services collects the text you type after the “@” key to provide location-based suggestions.Removed
1969To learn more about these Bing-powered experiences, see the Bing section of this privacy statement.Removed
1970When the Maps app has access to your location, even when the app is not in use, Microsoft may collect de-identified location data from your device to improve Microsoft services.Removed
1971You can disable the Maps app's access to your location by turning off the location service or turning off the Maps app's access to the location service.Removed
1972You can keep track of your favorite places and recent map searches in the Maps app.Removed
1973Your favorite places and search history will be included as search suggestions.Removed
1974If you grant the Maps app access to your camera, you’ll be able to capture the location of where your photos took place – for instance, a photo of your car will also tell you where your car is parked.Removed
1975You can also share your location with other people in your contacts.Removed
1976If you're signed in with your Microsoft account, your favorite places, search history, and certain app settings will be synced across other devices and services.Removed
1977For more information, see the Sync and backup settings section of this privacy statement.Removed
1978Camera app .Removed
1987Please visit Microsoft Store to learn more.Removed
1993In some cases, a user may have both the updated Photos app and the Photos legacy version downloaded on their device.1383The updated Photos app lets you organize, view, and share photos and videos by grouping them through options such as name, date taken or modified, and storage location, whether locally or synced from cloud services like OneDrive and iCloud.
1994The updated Photos app helps you organize, view, and share your photos and videos.1384You can move, copy, or upload files to your computer or OneDrive, and quickly access all photos by date, favorites, folders, and cloud service tabs for easy navigation and management.
1995For example, the Photos app presents different ways to group photos and videos by name, date taken, or date modified, and also in folders where those files are stored, such as stored locally on your device or synced to your device from OneDrive, iCloud, and other cloud services.1385The Photos legacy app lets you organize, view, and share your photos and videos, offering features not available in the updated Photos app, such as Collections, Albums, Video Editor, and the People setting.
1996The app also allows you to move, copy or upload files to different locations on your computer or to OneDrive.1386Collections display photos and videos by date taken.
1997The All Photos tab displays your locally stored or synced photos and videos according to the date they are taken.1387Albums help organize by location and tags and the Video Editor provides tools for editing, creating, and sharing videos.
1998The Favorites tab lets you view photos and videos you previously liked or favorited.1388The People setting in the Photos legacy app, when enabled, uses face grouping technology to organize your local photos and videos by detecting faces and grouping visually similar ones.
1999The Folders tab allows you to view photos or videos by their storage location.1389You can associate these facial groupings with contacts from your People app.
2000There are also tabs where you can see your photos and videos from available cloud services (such as OneDrive and other third-party services) that you have synced to your device.1390You can enable this feature either from the Settings page or the People tab.
2001The Photos legacy app also helps you organize, view, and share your photos and videos.1391When People settings are enabled in the legacy app, your groupings will be stored on your device for as long as you keep groupings, or the related photos or videos themselves.
2002However, if you are using the Photos legacy app, you may see other features that are not available in the newer version of the Photos app, including Collections, Albums, Video Editor and the People setting.1392If you haven’t interacted with the Photos legacy app for three years, you’ll be prompted to allow continued facial grouping.
2003The Collection tab displays photos and videos according to the date they are taken.1393You can turn the People setting on or off at any time in the Settings page; turning it off removes facial grouping data from the app but does not delete your photos or videos.
2004The Albums tab helps you organize your photos and videos by location and common tags.Removed
2005The Video Editor allows you to edit, create, and share videos.Removed
2006The People setting can be enabled on the Photos legacy app's Settings page and in the People tab of the app.Removed
2007When enabled, the Photos legacy app will use face grouping technology to organize your photos and videos into groups.Removed
2008The grouping feature can detect faces in a photo or video and determine whether they are visually similar to faces in other photos and videos in your local photo collection.Removed
2009You can choose to associate a facial grouping with a contact from your People app.Removed
2010When enabled in the Photos legacy app, your groupings will be stored on your device for as long as you choose to keep the groupings or the photos or videos.Removed
2011If the People setting is turned on, there will be a prompt to allow the Photos legacy app to continue to permit facial groupings after three years of non-interaction with the Photos legacy app.Removed
2012At any time, you can go to the Settings page in the Photos legacy app to turn the People setting on or off.Removed
2013Turning the feature off will remove facial grouping data from the Photos legacy app but will not remove your photos or videos.Removed
2017The People app lets you see and interact with all your contacts in one place.1397The People app centralizes your contacts in one place by automatically importing them when you add accounts, including email and social network accounts.
2018When you add an account to the People app, your contacts from your account will be automatically added to the People app.Removed
2019You can add other accounts to the People app, including your social networks (such as Facebook and Twitter) and email accounts.Removed
2022When you view a contact in the People app, information about your recent interactions with the contact (such as emails and calendar events, including from apps that the People app syncs data from) will be retrieved and displayed to you.1400When viewing a contact, recent interactions such as emails and calendar events from synced apps are displayed.
2023You can remove an account from the People app at any time.1401You can remove accounts from the People app at any time.
2026The app provides location-based services, such as weather information in your calendar, but you can disable the app’s use of your location.Removed
2028At any time, you can remove an account or make changes to the data that’s synced from your account.1405To configure an account, you must provide the app with your account credentials (such as username and password), which will be sent to the third-party provider’s server.
2029To configure an account, you must provide the app with the account credentials (such as user name and password), which will be sent over the internet to the third-party provider’s server.1406If your account is provided by an organization (like a work account), the account owner can implement certain policies and controls that may affect your use of the app — for example, multi-factor authentication or the ability to remotely wipe data from your device.
2030The app will first attempt to use a secure (SSL) connection to configure your account but will send this information unencrypted if your email provider does not support SSL.1407The app also provides location-based services, such as weather information in your calendar.
2031If you add an account provided by an organization (such as a company email address), the owner of the organizational domain can implement certain policies and controls (for example, multi-factor authentication or the ability to remotely wipe data from your device) that may affect your use of the app.1408You can remove an account, make changes to the data that’s synced from your account, or disable access to your device’s capabilities like your location and camera at any time.
2032This app uses your device capabilities such as location, camera.1409Windows operator messages (previously Microsoft Messaging) app .
2033Please visit Microsoft Store to learn more.Removed
2034Windows Operator Messages (previously Microsoft Messaging) app .Removed
2039Please visit Microsoft Store on Windows to learn more.1414The Clock app.
2041When users sign in with their Microsoft account they can enable Microsoft To Do which is a cloud connected experience.1416When users sign in with their Microsoft account, they can enable Microsoft To Do, a cloud connected experience.
2042When the user turns on Focus Session, session data is stored locally and user can clear it by going to the clock settings page.1417When the user turns on Focus Session in Microsoft To Do, session data is stored locally, which you can clear by going to the Clock settings page.
2043Additionally, Focus Sessions supports connecting to Spotify accounts to listen to ambient audio to help users focus.1418Additionally, Focus Sessions supports connecting to Spotify accounts to listen to ambient audio.
2044Visit Microsoft Store to learn more.1419Microsoft Journal.
2047The app leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to better recognize your handwriting that processes data locally on your device.1422The app leverages AI and machine learning to better recognize your handwriting that processes data locally on your device.
2048When connected to Microsoft 365 (subscription required), users can seamlessly access their M365 calendar and contacts within the app.1423Users with a Microsoft 365 subscription can access their M365 calendar and contacts within the app.
2049All user created content is automatically saved at the default save location in the document library for future reference.Removed
2051Learn about Journal app here or visit Microsoft Store to learn more.1425Learn about Journal app here .
2052The Mobile plans app helps you get online easily and in more places on your Windows 10 PC and 11 LTE devices.1426Microsoft PC Manager.
2053Upon signing up for a data plan on your device, it establishes a connection with the mobile operator, enabling you to complete purchases through the mobile operator’s online portal.1427Available in select regions, PC Manager is a desktop tool aimed at boosting your PC’s performance.
2054You will need a supported SIM card in order to use this app.1428Based on your request, PC Manager will scan your device, and allow you to delete unneeded or temporary documents, optimize cache, stop or recover from unauthorized changes, or use other features to improve your PC’s performance.
2055The Mobile Plan App will use your IMEI, IMSI, EID, ICCID, and Country (coarse location determined by Cellular Network ID or Wi-Fi Reverse IP) to determine which mobile operators are available in your area.Removed
2056The mobile operator may send notifications to users through the Mobile Plans App.Removed
2057This app uses your device’s capabilities such as its camera and microphone.Removed
2058Visit Microsoft Store to learn more.Removed
2059Microsoft PC Manager is available in select regions and is a desktop tool aimed at boosting your PC’s performance.Removed
2060Based on your request, PC Manager will scan your device, and allows you to delete unneeded or temporary documents, optimize cache, stop or recover from unauthorized changes, or use other features such as health check, one-click boost, storage clean-up, file and pop-up management, and protection of your default settings.Removed
2062If you agree to join the “Microsoft PC Manager Pop-up Plan,” when you block pop-up windows through custom block, you can help us optimize the pop-up management feature of Microsoft PC Manager by taking screenshots of the pop-up and sending them to Microsoft.1430If you agree to join the “Microsoft PC Manager Pop-up Plan,” when you block pop-up windows through custom block, you can help us optimize Microsoft PC Manager's pop-up management feature by taking screenshots of the pop-up and sending them to Microsoft.
2064Screenshots sent are only retained for a short period of time and regularly deleted.1432Screenshots are only retained for a short period of time and regularly deleted.
2065You can manage your Pop-Up Plan preferences through the PC Manager settings at anytime.1433You can manage your Pop-Up Plan preferences through the PC Manager settings.
1436Circle to Act.
2073Visit Microsoft Store to learn more.1442Snipping Tool.
2074The Snipping Tool is a handy utility in Windows that uses your microphone and pictures library to capture and store screenshots and screen recordings.1443The Snipping Tool uses your microphone and pictures library to capture and store screenshots and screen recordings.
2077Additionally, you can use the Text Action feature to redact sensitive information from captured text.Removed
2081Visit Microsoft Store to learn more.1449Sound Recorder app.
2082The Sound Recorder app is a versatile tool designed for capturing audio via your microphone in various scenarios.1450The Sound Recorder app is designed for capturing audio via your microphone in various scenarios.
2086Visit Microsoft Store to learn more.1454Microsoft Clipchamp.
2087Microsoft Clipchamp is a video editor designed to make video creation easy.1455Microsoft Clipchamp is a video editor that allows you to combine videos, images, and audio files, as well as add text and effects, and then save the finished video to your device or personal OneDrive via your Microsoft account.
2088It allows users to combine videos, images, and audio files, as well as add text and effects, and then save the finished video to their device, or store their videos in their personal OneDrive via their Microsoft account.1456You can allow Clipchamp to access your camera and microphone to record videos directly from your device.
2089Users can also add stock videos and stock music or sound effects, stickers, graphical elements, backgrounds, and more.1457Clipchamp will collect your imprecise location to provide a better experience, such as choosing which language to display to you.
2090Users can choose to allow Clipchamp to access their camera and microphone to record videos directly from their device.1458Media Player.
2091To provide a better experience, such as which language to display to you, Clipchamp will collect your imprecise location.1459Media Player is Windows’ default built-in multimedia player.
2092Users can access Clipchamp with a personal or family Microsoft account via the Clipchamp app for Windows 10 or Windows 11 and in the Edge or Chrome browser at https://app.clipchamp.com .1460When you open a multimedia file, Media Player will read the contents of that file.
2093Media Player is the default built-in player of multimedia (audio and video) files.Removed
2094When you choose to open a multimedia file, Media Player will read the contents of that file.Removed
2098If desired, this feature can be disabled on the app’s Settings page.1464You can disable this feature on the app’s Settings page.
2099Movies and TV.1465Movies & TV.
2105When you use Windows Media Player Legacy, it can read media content such as video, audio, and picture files which allows you to play CDs and other digital content (such as video and audio files), rip CDs, and manage your media library.1471You can use Windows Media Player Legacy to play CDs and other digital content such as video, audio, and picture files, rip CDs, and manage your media library.
2106To enrich your experience when you play content in your library, Windows Media Player Legacy displays related media information, such as album title, song titles, album art, artist, and composer.1472To enhance your experience, the player displays related media information like album titles, song titles, album art, artist, and composer.
2107To augment your media information, Windows Media Player Legacy will send a request to Microsoft which contains standard computer information, an identifier for the media content, and the media information already contained in your Windows Media Player Legacy library (including information you may have edited or entered yourself) so that Microsoft can recognize the track and then return additional information that is available.1473To provide additional media details, Windows Media Player Legacy may send a request to Microsoft that includes standard computer information, a media content identifier, and your library’s existing media information (including any edits or entries you’ve made) so Microsoft can recognize the track and return other available information.
2108Windows Media Player Legacy also allows you to play back content that is streamed to you over a network.1474Windows Media Player Legacy also allows you to play back content streamed over a network by communicating with streaming media servers, which are usually operated by non-Microsoft content providers.
2109To provide this service, it is necessary for Windows Media Player Legacy to communicate with a streaming media server.1475During playback of streaming media, the player may send a log to the streaming media or web server containing details such as connection time, IP address, operating system version, Windows Media Player Legacy version, Player ID number, date, and protocol.
2110These servers are typically operated by non-Microsoft content providers.1476To help protect your privacy, the Player ID sent by Windows Media Player Legacy is unique to each session.
2111During playback of streaming media, Windows Media Player Legacy will send a log to the streaming media server or other web server(s) if the streaming media server requests it.Removed
2112The log includes such details as: connection time, IP address, operating system version, Windows Media Player Legacy version, Player identification number (Player ID), date, and protocol.Removed
2113To protect your privacy, Windows Media Player Legacy defaults to sending a Player ID that is different for each session.Removed
2115If you turn it on, Windows Hello uses your face, fingerprint, or iris to identify you based on a set of unique points or features that are extracted from the image and stored on your device as a template—but it does not store the actual image of your face, fingerprint, or iris.1478If you turn it on, Windows Hello uses unique points or features that are extracted from your face, fingerprint, or iris and stored on your device as a template to identify you—but it does not store the actual image of your face, fingerprint, or iris.
2116Biometric verification data that's used when you sign in doesn't leave your device.1479Biometric verification data that's used when you sign in doesn't leave your device and remains on your device until you remove it.
2117Your biometric verification data will remain on your device until you remove it.1480After a significant period of Windows Hello inactivity, you will be prompted to confirm that you want to continue to store your biometric verification data.
2118However, after a significant period of Windows Hello inactivity, you will be prompted to confirm that you want to continue to store your biometric verification data.Removed
2122If you choose to use Windows Search to search "your stuff," it will provide results for items on your personal OneDrive, your OneDrive for Business if so enabled, other cloud storage providers to the extent supported by those third-party providers, and on your device.1484If you choose to use Windows Search to search "your stuff," it will provide results for items on your personal OneDrive, your OneDrive for Business if so enabled, other supported third-party cloud storage providers and on your device.
2125View Summary Learn more Back to top Entertainment and related services Entertainment and Related Services power rich experiences and enable you to access a variety of content, applications and games.1487View Summary Learn more Back to top Entertainment and related services Entertainment and related services like Xbox, Microsoft Store, and MSN power rich experiences and enable you to access a variety of content, applications and games.
2126Entertainment and Related Services power rich experiences and enable you to access a variety of content, applications and games.1488We collect and use your information depending on how you use these services to fuel your experience – for example, we collect your unique identifiers, information about how you interact with in these services, who you chat with, what content you upload, and products you search for and buy.
1489See below for more details about these services, their features, and how they use data.
1490Entertainment and related services like Xbox, Microsoft Store, and MSN power rich experiences and enable you to access a variety of content, applications and games.
1491We collect and use your information depending on how you use these services to fuel your experience – for example, we collect your unique identifiers, information about how you interact with in these services, who you chat with, what content you upload, and products you search for and buy.
1492See below for more details about these services, their features, and how they use data.
2130When you sign in on Xbox devices, apps, and services, the data we collect about your use is stored using these unique identifier(s).1496When you sign in on Xbox devices, apps, and services, the data we collect about your use is stored using your identifiers.
2131Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to verify your age or identity to access some Xbox services or features.1497Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to verify your age or identity to access some services or features.
2133The type of data collected will depend on your location and the verification method.1499In some cases, we reference the length of your account as well as age signals we receive from operating systems or app stores to better understand your age.
1500If we are unable to verify your age or identity it may cause us to change your settings or access to certain features.
1501Children under 13 years old or as otherwise specified in your jurisdiction need parental or guardian consent to create an Xbox profile and use the Xbox network.
1502When setting up an Xbox profile for your child, you’ll sign in with your own Microsoft account to confirm you’re an adult organizer in your family group.
2145To change your settings for these recommendations, visit Xbox online safety and privacy settings page.1514To change your settings for these recommendations, visit the Xbox online safety and privacy settings page.
2146Camera and Microphone .1515We collect limited information about children, including their name, birthdate, email address, and region.
2147While using Xbox, players can use the device’s capabilities such as the microphone, camera and screen recording to improve their gaming experience.1516When you create your child’s Xbox profile, you consent to Microsoft collecting, using, and sharing their information, including their personal data, based on their Xbox network privacy and communication settings.
2148When an Xbox game is played in the Windows Game Bar, the camera and microphone may be used, including to read photos and videos and to capture and record screenshots.1517Your child’s privacy settings start at the most restrictive level by default Camera and Microphone .
1518While using Xbox, you can use the device’s capabilities such as the microphone, camera, and screen recording to improve your gaming experience.
2151Required .1521If your child uses an Xbox console, only the minimum required diagnostic data is sent to Microsoft to help keep Xbox safe, secure, and performing as expected.
2152Xbox will send required data to Microsoft.1522Optional diagnostic data collection is turned off for child accounts.
2153The minimum data necessary to help keep Xbox safe, secure, up to date, and performing as expected.1523Please see the Diagnostic data section for more information.
2154Optional .Removed
2155Optional data is additional data that you choose to share with Microsoft.Removed
2156Optional data may include additional details about the operation, usage, and performance of your Xbox products and services, as well as enhanced error reporting.Removed
2161If a player captures game clips and screenshots on a PC, the resulting game clips might also capture audio chat.1528If a player captures game clips, they might also capture audio chat, depending on their settings.
2165Microsoft uses the resulting text data to provide captioning of chat for players who need it, as well as the other purposes described in this statement.1532Microsoft uses the resulting text data to provide captioning of chat for players who need it.
1533This data may also be used to provide a safe gaming environment and enforce the Community Standards for Xbox as well as the other purposes described in this statement.
2168Customers of third-party services you’ve linked your profile to, or Other services associated with Xbox (including those of partner companies).1536Customers of third-party services you’ve linked your profile to.
2169For example, your gamertag and scores that show on game leaderboards are considered public and cannot be hidden.1537Other services associated with Xbox (including those of partner companies).
1538Your gamertag and scores that show on game leaderboards are considered public and cannot be hidden.
1540On the Xbox network, your child’s online presence (defaulted to “friends”), gamertag, gameplay statistics, and achievements are visible to other players.
1541Depending on your child’s safety settings, they might share information when playing or communicating with others on the Xbox network.
1542You can manage these settings to control what is shared.
2172Xbox data shared with third parties including game and apps publishers .1544Xbox data shared with game and apps publishers and developers .
2173When you use an Xbox online game or any network-connected app on your Xbox console, PC, or mobile device, the publisher of that game or app has access to data about your usage to help the publisher deliver, support, and improve its product.1545When you use an Xbox online game or any network-connected app on your Xbox console, PC, or mobile device, the publisher of that game or app has access to data to help the publisher deliver, support, and improve its product.
2174This data may include: your Xbox user identifier, gamertag, limited account info such as country and age range, data about your in-game communications, any Xbox enforcement activity, game-play sessions (for example, moves made in-game, types of vehicles used in-game), your presence on the Xbox network, the time you spend playing the game or app, rankings, statistics, gamer profiles, avatars, or gamerpics, friends lists, activity feeds for official clubs you belong to, official club memberships, and any content you create or submit in the game or app.1546This data includes: your Xbox user identifier; gamertag; limited account info such as country and age range; data about your in-game communications; any Xbox enforcement activity; game-play sessions (for example, moves made in-game, types of vehicles used in-game); your presence on the Xbox network; the time you spend playing the game or app; rankings, statistics, gamer profiles, avatars, or gamerpics; friends lists; activity feeds for official clubs you belong to; official club memberships; and any content you create or submit in the game or app.
2175Third-party publishers and developers of games and apps have their own distinct and independent relationship with users and their collection and usage of personal data is subject to their specific privacy policies.1547To stop sharing game or app data with a publisher, remove its games or app from all devices where you have installed them.
2176You should carefully review their policies to determine how they use the data.1548Some publisher access to your data may be revoked at https://microsoft.com/consent Third-party publishers and developers of games and apps have their own distinct and independent relationship with users and their collection and usage of personal data is subject to their specific privacy policies.
2177For example, publishers may choose to disclose or display game data (such as on leaderboards) through their own services.1549You should carefully review their policies to determine how they use your data.
2180To stop sharing game or app data with a publisher, remove its games or app from all devices where you have installed them.Removed
2181Some publisher access to your data may be revoked at https://microsoft.com/consent .Removed
2183Xbox offers optional AI-enhanced features, including our Support Virtual Agents and Copilot in Xbox, that allow you to enter a prompt via text or voice.1553Xbox offers optional AI-enhanced features, including our Support Virtual Agents and Game assist.
2184To provide a response, these AI-enhanced features use your prompt, publicly-available support articles, and other relevant data described in the Personal data we collect section or within the feature.1554To provide a response, these AI-enhanced features use your voice or text-based prompt, publicly-available support articles, and other relevant data described in the “Personal data we collect” section or within the feature.
2185Additional privacy settings are available within certain Xbox AI-enhanced features, including Copilot in Xbox.1555Additional privacy settings are available within certain Xbox AI-enhanced features, including Game assist.
2186You can view, export, or delete your chats with Copilot on the Microsoft privacy dashboard.1556You can view, export, or delete your chats with Game assist in the Copilot section on the Microsoft privacy dashboard .
2187Children and family .1557Family settings .
2188If you have kids who want to use the Xbox network, you can set up child and teen profiles for them once they have Microsoft accounts.1558You can use the Xbox Family Settings app to manage your child’s experience on the Xbox Network such as spending for the Microsoft and Xbox stores, viewing your child’s Xbox activity, and setting age ratings and screen time limits.
2189Adult organizers in your Microsoft family group can change consent choices and online safety settings for child and teen profiles on Xbox.com .1559Xbox-specific Family Safety settings will apply on Xbox console or via Xbox on PC or mobile device but may not be applied on other platforms.
2190Learn more about Microsoft family groups at Simplify your family’s life .1560Learn more about managing Xbox profiles at Xbox online safety and privacy settings .
2191Learn more about managing Xbox profiles, at Xbox online safety and privacy settings .Removed
2205The Kinect sensor is a combination of camera, microphone, and infrared sensor that can enable motions and voice to be used to control gameplay.1574The Kinect sensor is a combination of camera, microphone, and infrared sensor that can enable motions and voice to be used to control gameplay for titles that support it.
2206For example: If you choose, the camera can be used to sign you in to the Xbox network automatically using facial recognition.Removed
2207This data stays on the console and is not shared with anyone, and you can choose to delete this data from your console at any time.Removed
2208For game play, Kinect will map distances between your body's joints to create a stick figure representation of you that helps Kinect enable play.Removed
2209The Kinect microphone can enable voice chat between players during play.Removed
2210The microphone also enables voice commands for control of the console, game, or app, or to enter search terms.Removed
2211The Kinect sensor can also be used for audio and video communications.Removed
2213Back to top Microsoft Store Microsoft Store is an online service, accessible via PC, the Xbox Console and the Xbox App, that allows you to browse, download, purchase, rate, and review applications and other digital content.1576Back to top Microsoft Store Microsoft Store is an online service, accessible via digital storefronts on the web, PC, Xbox consoles, and the Xbox App, that enables you to browse, download, purchase, rate, and review apps, games, subscriptions, in-app extras and add-ons, and other digital content for devices such as PCs, tablets, Xbox consoles, mobile devices, and others.
2214It includes: Apps and content for Windows devices such as phones, PCs, and tablets.1577We collect information about your interactions with Microsoft Store, including: the products you browse, search for, view, add to wish lists or shopping carts, acquire, subscribe to, purchase, install, update, use, delete, uninstall, or for which you request customer support; your product-viewing settings and preferences; and any ratings, reviews, or problem reports you submit.
2215Games, subscriptions and other apps for Xbox consoles and other devices.1578Your Microsoft account is linked to your ratings and reviews, and the name and/or picture associated with your Microsoft account may be shown with any review you post.
2216Products and apps for Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Exchange, Access, and Project (2013 versions or later).1579Microsoft Store also uses your device’s region settings to present relevant content and merchandising, and your device identifier to manage product rights tied to your device.
2217We collect data about how you access and use Microsoft Store; the products you've viewed, purchased, or installed; the preferences you set for viewing apps in Microsoft Store; and any ratings, reviews, or problem reports you submit.1580Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to verify your age to allow you to view or acquire certain age-restricted content on Microsoft Store.
2218Your Microsoft account is associated with your ratings and reviews; and if you write a review, the name and picture from your Microsoft account will be published with your review.1581If we ask you to verify your age, please refer to the accompanying notice for details about what data is collected and how it is used, and for information about our third-party verification provider.
2219Microsoft Store uses the region configured on your device to show relevant and eligible content and merchandising.Removed
2220Microsoft Store uses your device identifier to manage product rights tied to a specific device.Removed
2222Many apps you install from the Microsoft Store are designed to take advantage of specific hardware and software features of your device.1583Many apps you install from Microsoft Store use specific hardware and software features of your device, which can require access to your data.
2223An app's use of certain hardware and software features may give the app or its related service access to your data.1584For example, a photo editing app might access your device's camera to let you take or access photos or videos stored on your device, and a restaurant guide might use your location to provide nearby recommendations.
2224For example, a photo editing app might access your device's camera to let you take a new photo or access photos or videos stored on your device for editing, and a restaurant guide might use your location to provide nearby recommendations.1585Information about the features that an app uses is provided in its product description page in Microsoft Store.
2225Information about the features that an app uses is provided on the app's product description page in Microsoft Store.1586Many of the features used by apps installed from Microsoft Store can be turned on or off through your device’s privacy settings.
2226Many of the features that Microsoft Store apps use can be turned on or off through your device’s privacy settings.1587On Windows, in many cases, you can choose which apps can use a particular feature.
2227In Windows, in many cases, you can choose which apps can use a particular feature.1588Go to Start > Settings > Privacy or Privacy & Security , select the feature, and then adjust your app permissions.
2228Go to Start > Settings > Privacy or Privacy & Security , select the feature (for example, Calendar), and then select which app permissions are on or off.Removed
2229The lists of apps in Windows privacy settings that can use hardware and software features will not include "Classic Windows" applications, and these applications are not affected by these settings.Removed
2231Unless you have turned off automatic app updates in the relevant Microsoft Store settings or have acquired an app provided and updated by the app developer, Microsoft Store will automatically check for, download, and install app updates to verify that you have the latest versions.1590For security and safety purposes, Microsoft Store will automatically check for, download, and install app updates to ensure you have the latest versions.
2232Updated apps might use different Windows hardware and software features from the previous versions, which could give them access to different data on your device.1591You can pause this feature in your Microsoft Store settings.
2233You will be prompted for consent if an updated app accesses certain features, such as location.1592Microsoft Store only updates apps that were installed from Microsoft Store, and not apps installed from other sources.
2234You can also review the hardware and software features an app uses by viewing its product description page in Microsoft Store.1593If an updated app seeks new access to certain features—such as your location—you will be prompted for consent.
2235Each app's use of your data collected through any of these features is subject to the app developer's privacy policies.1594You can review the hardware and software features an app uses by viewing its product description page in Microsoft Store.
2236If an app available through Microsoft Store collects and uses any of your personal data, the app developer is required to provide a privacy policy, and a link to the privacy policy is available on the app's product description page in Microsoft Store.1595Any personal data that an app collects and uses is subject to the app developer's privacy policy, which the app developer must provide via a link on the app's product description page in Microsoft Store.
2237Sideloaded apps and developer mode .1596Acquiring content from sources other than Microsoft Store .
2238Developer features such as the "developer mode" setting are intended for development use only.1597Some Microsoft computing environments, such as Windows, may enable you to use third-party sources, such as third-party apps, app stores, or websites, to browse, search for, acquire, purchase, download, or install apps, games, and other digital content.
2239If you enable developer features, your device may become unreliable or unusable, and expose you to security risks.1598The privacy information described here does not apply to your use of or acquisitions from those third-party sources.
2240Downloading or otherwise acquiring apps from sources other than Microsoft Store, also known as "sideloading" apps, may make your device and personal data more vulnerable to attack or unexpected use by apps.1599Back to top MSN MSN (formerly known as Microsoft Start or Microsoft News) is a content service that includes news, weather, sports, and finance.
2241Windows policies, notifications, permissions, and other features intended to help protect your privacy when apps access your data may not function as described in this statement for sideloaded apps or when developer features are enabled.1600The MSN app is available on various platforms, including iOS and Android.
2242Back to top Microsoft Start Microsoft Start (formerly known as MSN or Microsoft News) is a content service that includes news, weather, sports, and finance.1601The MSN service is also included within other Microsoft services, including the Microsoft Edge browser and widgets on Windows.
2243The Microsoft Start app is available on various platforms, including iOS and Android.1602When you install the MSN app, MSN Weather, or Microsoft News apps, we collect data that tells us if the app was installed properly, the installation date, the app version, and other data about your device such as the operating system and browser.
2244The Microsoft Start service is also included within other Microsoft services, including the Microsoft Edge browser and widgets on Windows.Removed
2245When you install the Microsoft Start, MSN Weather, or Microsoft News apps, we collect data that tells us if the app was installed properly, the installation date, the app version, and other data about your device such as the operating system and browser.Removed
2248We also collect data about how you interact with Microsoft Start content, such as usage frequency and articles viewed, to provide you with relevant content.1605We also collect data about how you interact with MSN content, such as usage frequency and articles viewed, to provide you with relevant content.
2249Microsoft Start provides an enhanced experience when you sign in with your Microsoft account, including allowing you to customize your interests and favorites.1606MSN provides an enhanced experience when you sign in with your Microsoft account, including allowing you to customize your interests and favorites.
2251You can manage personalization through Microsoft Start and Bing settings, as well as through settings in other Microsoft services that include Microsoft Start services.1608You can manage personalization through MSN and Bing settings, as well as through settings in other Microsoft services that include MSN services.
2253You can opt out of interest-based advertising through the advertising links within Microsoft Start services, or by visiting the Microsoft opt-out page .1610You can opt out of interest-based advertising through the advertising links within MSN services, or by visiting the Microsoft opt-out page .
2258Back to top Silverlight Microsoft Silverlight helps you to access and enjoy rich content on the Web.Removed
2259Silverlight enables websites and services to store data on your device.Removed
2260Other Silverlight features involve connecting to Microsoft to obtain updates, or to Microsoft or third-party servers to play protected digital content.Removed
2261Silverlight Configuration tool .Removed
2262You can make choices about these features in the Silverlight Configuration tool.Removed
2263To access the Silverlight Configuration tool, right click on content that is currently being displayed by Silverlight and select Silverlight .Removed
2264You can also run the Silverlight Configuration tool directly.Removed
2265In Windows, for example, you can access the tool by searching for "Microsoft Silverlight." Silverlight application storage .Removed
2266Silverlight-based applications can store data files locally on your computer for a variety of purposes, including saving your custom settings, storing large files for graphically intensive features (such as games, maps, and images), and storing content that you create within certain applications.Removed
2267You can turn off or configure application storage in the Silverlight Configuration tool.Removed
2268Silverlight updates .Removed
2269Silverlight will periodically check a Microsoft server for updates to provide you with the latest features and improvements.Removed
2270A small file containing information about the latest Silverlight version will be downloaded to your computer and compared to your currently installed version.Removed
2271If a newer version is available, it will be downloaded and installed on your computer.Removed
2272You can turn off or configure updates in the Silverlight Configuration tool.Removed
2273Digital Rights Management .Removed
2274Silverlight uses Microsoft Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology to help protect the rights of content owners.Removed
2275If you access DRM-protected content (such as music or video) with Silverlight, it will request media usage rights from a rights server on the Internet.Removed
2276In order to provide a seamless playback experience, you will not be prompted before Silverlight sends the request to the rights server.Removed
2277When requesting media usage rights, Silverlight will provide the rights server with an ID for the DRM-protected content file and basic data about your device, including data about the DRM components on your device such as their revision and security levels, and a unique identifier for your device.Removed
2278DRM updates .Removed
2279In some cases, accessing DRM-protected content will require an update to Silverlight or to the DRM components on your device.Removed
2280When you attempt to play content that requires a DRM update, Silverlight will send a request to a Microsoft server containing basic data about your device, including information about the DRM components on your computer such as their revision and security levels, troubleshooting data, and a unique identifier for your device.Removed
2281The Microsoft server uses this identifier to return a unique DRM update for your device, which will then be installed by Silverlight.Removed
2282You can turn off or configure DRM component updates on the Playback tab in the Silverlight Configuration tool.Removed
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